Tetras and Schooling Fish

Why Schooling Fish?

Watching 20+ neon tetras glide through a planted tank is one of the most beautiful sights in fish keeping. They're peaceful, colorful, and thrive in groups.

Popular Species

Neon Tetra

Classic beginner tetra. Blue stripe with red below. 3-4 cm. Hardy. Group: 8+, Tank: 30L+.

Cardinal Tetra

Full red stripe. More vibrant but slightly more sensitive. Group: 10+, Tank: 40L+. Prefers softer, more acidic water.

Rummy Nose Tetra

Bright red nose (fades with poor water quality — great indicator!). Tight schooling. Group: 8+, Tank: 60L+.

Congo Tetra

Larger (6-8 cm) with iridescent scales. Centerpiece fish. Group: 8+, Tank: 100L+.

Ember Tetra

Tiny (2 cm) orange-red. Perfect for nano planted tanks. Group: 10+, Tank: 20L+.

Other Schooling Fish

• Harlequin Rasbora: Copper-orange, peaceful. 8+ in 30L.
• Chili Rasbora: Tiny red, stunning in nano tanks. 10+ in 20L.
• Zebra Danio: Incredibly hardy. 6+ in 40L.

Tank Setup

• Open swimming space (they need room to school)
• Dense planting on sides/back for security
• Dark substrate (brings out colors)
• Dim to moderate lighting

Pro Tip: Buy the largest group you can afford. 15 fish look dramatically better and feel safer than 6. Larger groups = brighter colors and less stress.