Have you ever found yourself wanting an aquarium but don’t know if a peaceful species exists? Look no further than the Ruby Tetra! This colorful little fish is a great addition to any aquarium due to its peaceful nature and striking appearance.

In this post, we provide a comprehensive guide on the Ruby Tetra, covering everything from its appearance to its care. We’ve listed down some standard criteria like tank size, water parameters, diet, behavior, and temperament to ensure the proper care of Ruby Tetras.

Furthermore, we’ve also given an insight into common diseases and tank mates. You’ll get to know everything about this little beauty and how to keep it healthy and happy in your aquarium. Give your aquarium a vibrant touch with a school of Ruby Tetras swimming around!

Species Summary

The Ruby Tetra, also known as Axelrodia riesei, is a small freshwater fish that originates from Colombia, usually growing up to 1 inch in size. Being omnivores, they happily consume most frozen and prepared foods in the aquarium. A pH between 6.5-7.2 and a temperature between 76-82°F are ideal water parameters for these types of fish. Just remember to keep them in a group of 5 or more to showcase their best colors.

Ruby Tetras are peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with other peaceful tankmates, but they may feel intimidated by larger creatures. Adding this colorful fish can add a stunning visual display to your aquarium.

Appearance

The Ruby Tetra is a stunning and peaceful addition to any aquarium. These fish have a deep red coloration throughout their bodies, giving them a striking appearance. They have an oval shape with a dorsal placement, as well as a pointed head and a horizontal streak on the body. Some Ruby Tetras even have black markings on their caudal fins, adding to their beauty.

Adult Ruby Tetras typically reach an average size of 1 inch, with females ranging from 3-5 cm and males averaging 4 cm. Another notable feature of these fish is their four distinct barbells that dangle from their mouths. Overall, the Ruby Tetra is an eye-catching and serene fish that will make a great addition to any aquarium.

Lifespan

The Ruby Tetra is a colorful and peaceful addition to any aquarium. These small fish have an average lifespan of 4-5 years, but they can potentially live up to 10 years if provided with a healthy environment and diet. The size of the tetra can also affect their lifespan, with those reaching full maturity at 1.6 inches having a lifespan of 3-5 years.

In ideal conditions, the Ruby Tetra can live anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Overall, with proper care and attention, the Ruby Tetra can make a wonderful addition to any aquarium for many years to come.

Average Size

The Ruby Tetra is a small, colorful, and peaceful fish that makes a great addition to any aquarium. These fish typically grow to no more than 1.6 inches in length, with males being slightly smaller than females. Males usually reach up to 4 centimeters, while females can grow up to 5 centimeters.

Due to their small size and peaceful nature, Ruby Tetras are an ideal choice for a nano aquarium. They are also popular with planted aquarium hobbyists. If you are considering adding these fish to your tank, it is best to keep them in a school of 5 or more in order to see their best color.

One distinguishing feature of the Ruby Tetra is the presence of four distinct barbells that dangle from their mouth. This feature helps to identify them from other types of fish. Overall, the Ruby Tetra is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for fish that can add color and diversity to your aquarium.

Ruby Tetra Care

Ruby tetras are an excellent addition to any community tank. They require a specific type of care and attention to thrive. In order to maintain the optimal health of your ruby tetra, it is necessary to provide them with soft, acidic water with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. It is also important to keep them in groups of at least six to reduce stress and maintain a peaceful environment.

A diet consisting of small frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae, should be provided to ensure that they stay healthy and well-fed.

When selecting tankmates for ruby tetras, you should choose peaceful species such as corydoras catfish, tetra species, and other peaceful characins. Breeding ruby tetras can be difficult in a home aquarium because they require very specific water parameters.

Additionally, the aquarium should have vegetation and hiding places to allow the tetras to feel secure. With the right care and attention, ruby tetras can add color and peace to any aquarium.

Tank Size

When it comes to caring for Ruby Tetras, it’s important to ensure that they have enough space to thrive. The recommended tank size is at least 6 gallons for a single fish. However, to house a school of 6 or more, a tank of 10 gallons or more is required.

In general, a minimum tank size of 20 gallons is suggested for Ruby Tetras. If you plan on keeping aquatic turtles with your Ruby Tetras, a kit with a 20-gallon tank is ideal. It’s important to also include a water filter and dome lamp to maintain proper temperature and cleanliness in the tank. By providing a spacious and comfortable environment, you can ensure that your Ruby Tetras remain happy and healthy.

Water Parameters

Proper care is important when it comes to keeping Ruby Tetras in your aquarium. In terms of water parameters, it’s best to keep the temperature between 23-25 degrees Celsius, as this will mimic their natural habitat. The pH level should range from 4.0 – 6.5, and the water hardness should be set to 6 GH. To maintain a healthy environment for your Ruby Tetras, be sure to renew at least 20-30% of the water every month.

It’s also important to consider lighting conditions for these fish. Low-light conditions can provide the best results, as it will help bring out the vivid red colors that make Ruby Tetras so unique. By carefully monitoring and maintaining these essential parameters, you can ensure that your Ruby Tetras remain healthy, peaceful, and beautiful additions to your aquarium.

What To Put In Their Tank

Proper care is important when it comes to keeping Ruby Tetras in your aquarium. It is recommended that the tank size should be at least 10 gallons for up to six fish. For larger groups or more than ten ruby tetras, a larger tank size is recommended. To create a natural environment for the fish, substrate should also be added to the tank.

In addition to the appropriate tank size and substrate, various decorations and plants can be used to decorate the tank. This includes creating hiding places for the fish to reduce stress levels. It is recommended to keep Ruby Tetras in groups of six or more fish as they are social creatures. Taking these steps will ensure that your Ruby Tetras thrive in their home aquarium.

Common Possible Diseases

To ensure the health and longevity of your Ruby Tetras, it’s important to be aware of common possible diseases that they may be prone to. Common ailments include Ich, skin flukes, bacterial infections, and parasitic infections, which can arise from stress and poor living conditions. Maintaining stable water parameters and a clean tank can prevent many of these diseases.

If you notice one of your fish struggling, it is best to quarantine them to prevent the spread of disease to healthy fish. Over-the-counter medications are available to treat many common health issues, but it is important to follow instructions carefully and to remove any activated carbon from your tank before treating with medication. With proper care, your Ruby Tetras can thrive in your aquarium for years to come.

Food & Diet

When it comes to caring for Ruby Tetras, one important aspect to consider is their food and diet. In the wild, these fish feed on tiny invertebrates and insects, as well as anything else that is small enough to fit into their mouth. In captivity, it is best to feed them a varied diet that consists of high-protein food such as small flakes and pellets.

Live foods such as Artemia, micro worms, Tubifex, chopped bloodworms, and baby brine shrimp are also acceptable, as are freeze-dried food and frozen food. To ensure a balanced and healthy diet, it’s important to vary the food given to Ruby Tetras and feed them a few times a day. By providing a varied and nutritious diet, you can help ensure that your Ruby Tetras thrive in their aquarium environment.

Behavior & Temperament

When it comes to caring for Ruby Tetras, it’s important to consider their behavior and temperament. These peace-loving and shoaling fish prefer to explore their tank together, so it’s crucial to keep them in groups of at least six. They can be somewhat shy when first introduced to a new environment, but usually become more active and friendly over time.

Ruby swim together as one when in a large group, and smaller clicks can form. It’s important to note that they are timid around larger fish and should be introduced as juveniles for best results.

In terms of diet, these fish are omnivores and micro predators, and will eat most prepared and frozen foods. Overall, with proper care and attention to their social and dietary needs, Ruby Tetras can make a colorful and peaceful addition to your aquarium.

Are Ember Tetras and Ruby Tetras Compatible in the Same Aquarium?

Ember tetras and ruby tetras are compatible in the same aquarium, creating a colorful ember tetra aquarium. Both species are small, peaceful, and prefer similar water conditions. As they peacefully coexist, the vibrant red of the ruby tetras beautifully contrasts with the striking orange and yellow hues of the ember tetras, enhancing the visual appeal of the aquarium.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ruby are a beautiful addition to any aquarium due to their dazzling colors and peaceful nature. Their small size and hardy nature make them perfect for beginner hobbyists or those looking to add to their existing community tank.

Ensure that they are kept in an appropriate-sized tank with the correct water parameters and a carefully curated diet to maintain their vibrant colors and health.

With the right care and attention, these fish can live up to five years and make for delightful companions in your aquatic world. Want to learn more about caring for your aquarium? Check out our blog for more informative articles.