No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Rosy Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae
📍 Guyana and Suriname rivers
The rosy tetra has a lovely soft pink to rosy body with a black and white dorsal fin and red-tipped fins that intensify with maturity and condition. Males develop a tall, flag-like dorsal fin. It is an elegant, peaceful fish that is slightly rarer in the hobby than it deserves to be, and looks beautiful in soft-water planted tanks.
Care Guide
Diet
Rosy tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality small flake foods and micro pellets as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to enhance coloration and condition. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Rosy tetras are peaceful, active schooling fish that display their best colors and behavior when kept in groups of 8 or more. They occupy the mid-water column and are constantly in motion, darting playfully through planted areas without harassing other inhabitants. Males become more vibrant and develop elongated dorsal fins as they mature, especially under good conditions.
Breeding
Breeding rosy tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely occurs in community tanks. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), dense vegetation or spawning mops, and slightly elevated temperatures (26-28°C) to trigger spawning. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and fry are extremely small, requiring infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eaters with identical water parameter requirements; occupy different tank zones
Similar size, temperament, and water needs; compatible schooling companion
Peaceful mid-water dweller; ensure adequate space to prevent territorial disputes
Small shrimp compatible with tetras; may predate on shrimplets, so provide dense plants
Hardy plant that provides shelter and does not require high lighting
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, torn fin membranes
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine water conditions
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, curved spine, lethargy, loss of appetite, erratic swimming
No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain excellent water quality, euthanize severely affected individuals to prevent transmission
Bacterial Infection
Redness on body or fins, swollen abdomen, open sores, cloudy eyes
Perform 50% water change immediately, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain optimal water parameters and temperature
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Rosy Tetra to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – small flake, micro pellets, frozen foods
- schooling
- 8+ recommended
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful schooling fish
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- hardness
- 3–15 dGH
- temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)