Tetras

When compared with larger characins, such as the Pacu, the diminutive size of the smaller tetras illustrates the great range within the family Characidae. Temperaments, likewise, vary in the extreme, from the tranquility of the Neon Tetra to the ferocity of the Piranha. Native to South America and Africa, all characins make decorative additions to the aquarium - there are about 1,200 species in the wild. They have teeth in their jaws, unlike cyprinids. Many carry an additional small adipose fin behind the dorsal fin, although this is not an exclusive feature of characins (some other genera have it too, e.g., Corydoras catfish). Many smaller tetras are readily bred in soft waters, but very often the eggs are light sensitive. Black Widow (fish) Silvertip Tetra Buenos Aires Tetra Glowlight Tetra Beacon Fish Pretty Tetra Rummy-nose Tetra Yellow Tetra Bleeding Heart Tetra Flame Tetra Black Neon Tetra Belgian Flag Tetra Lemon Tetra Rosy Tetra Serpae Tetra Black Phantom Tetra Red Phantom Tetra Emperor Tetra Cardinal Tetra Neon Tetra X-ray Fish Tetras/Bibliography

Parent topics

• Characins [r]: Family of freshwater subtropical and tropical fish, belonging to the order Characiformes. ^[e]