Panda Tetra

Aphyocharax paraguayensis

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae

📍 Paraguay River Basin, South America

Small, hardy tetra with a clean silver body and distinctive black patches on the eye and tail base. Peaceful schooling fish suitable for community tanks and beginners.

Size1.5"

Min Tank10g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Panda Tetras are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach supports digestive health.

Behavior

These are active, peaceful schooling fish that exhibit constant movement throughout the mid-water column, especially when kept in groups of 6 or more. They are non-aggressive toward other peaceful species and display natural schooling behavior, creating an attractive display in community tanks. They are most active during dawn and dusk hours.

Breeding

Breeding Panda Tetras in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), dense vegetation, and slightly elevated temperatures around 26°C. Eggs are scattered among plants and parents may eat fry, so removing adults after spawning is recommended. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Similar size and peaceful temperament; both prefer soft, slightly acidic water and mid-water zones

excellent

Neon Tetra

Comparable size, water requirements, and peaceful schooling behavior; ideal community companion

excellent

Corydoras Duplicareus

Peaceful bottom-dweller with overlapping temperature and pH preferences; no competition for space

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small shrimp are generally safe; ensure adequate hiding spots and monitor for predation risk

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible water parameters; avoid aggressive individuals

good

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant provides shelter and security for schooling fish without being uprooted

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or disintegrating fin edges, white or cloudy appearance on fins, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and avoid sharp tank decorations

Neon Tetra Disease

Symptoms

Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, erratic swimming, white stripe along lateral line becomes indistinct

Treatment

No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, euthanize severely affected individuals; prevention through quarantine of new fish is essential

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

Whitish film on body or mouth, fin deterioration, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths; increase aeration and reduce stress; maintain water temperature at 24-25°C and ensure excellent filtration