Whether you are an experienced fish keeper, or new to this hobby, you probably know that there are countless Tetra fish species. This family of fish is known for its great variety in colors and shapes.
The name Tetra, meaning “four” in Greek, refers to the four fins this species has. Other fish families usually have three only. Eventually, the name became synonymous with any friendly, bright, and easy-to-maintain fish.
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at a big list of 4 orange Tetra Fish ideas for your aquarium.
Contents
Suggested Equipment For Your Orange Tetras
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4 Orange Tetra Fish To Brighten Up Your Aquarium
Tetra fish are among the easiest to care for, so they are very popular with beginners. They are usually recommended for beginners as well.
In this section, we’ll give you everything you need to know about the orange Tetra fish behavior and characteristics, so that you’re well-equipped to welcome your new little friend.
1. Ember Tetra
- Care level: Easy
- Size: 1 inch
- Temperature range: 68 to 82 F
- PH range: 5.5 to 7.0
- Social Behavior: Schooling fish
- Tank size: 10-gallon
The most significant feature of the Ember Tetra is the fiery orange and hints of red, which cover the whole body of the fish. The fins are generally transparent, and the orange color fades towards black around the dorsal fin.
Although they are small in size, they don’t grow beyond one inch, they are quite fearless around your hand. The Ember Tetras are playful and dynamic around the tank.
The Ember Tetras are small fish that are likely to be preyed on; this is why they love to hide behind plants. To imitate their natural habitat, try putting plants like hornworts. However, make sure not to overstuff their already small tanks with these plants.
The size of the Ember Tetra makes it the perfect pet choice if you have limited tank space.
The Ember Tetra is a fantastic tank mate for small pencil fish, Dwarf Cichlids, and they are perfect for keeping with shrimp.
They have a peaceful temperament among themselves and with other fish around them. Even if you kept the male Tetras alone, you could hardly find them expressing aggression.
When you first put them in a tank, give them some time to adapt. Meanwhile, you can find them acting weird and becoming extra cautious. However, to ease this awkwardness, it’s beneficial to surround them with other Ember Tetras.
Another trait of their character is that Ember Tetras are found in quiet places, away from the noise. They don’t exist in the middle of the main streams. This is why you should use silent filtration systems. They don’t like to be disturbed.
2. Serpae Tetras
- Care level: Easy
- Size: around 2 inches
- Temperature range: 72 to 79 F
- PH range: 5.5 to 7.0
- Social Behavior: Aggressive schooling fish
- Tank size: 20-gallon
The Serpae Tetras can range from glowing orange to fiery red. Imagine the contrast created between a school of Serpaes against the lush green plants in your little tank.
These Tetras are tough, they can accommodate different water conditions, and they aren’t picky when it comes to food either.
However, the problem with this type of fish is that they are fin nippers. They can aggressively chase other fish and nip their tails and fins. Therefore, if you have flowy-finned centerpiece fish, you might not want to put Serpaes with them.
The best tankmates for the Serpae Tetras are other large and active fish. These include the barbs, and the danios and other Tetras. They are also excellent companions of bottom-dwelling fish, such as the loaches. Just like other Tetras, the tank has to be planted for them to find hiding places.
Serpae Tetras love to be in a group of 15 at least; otherwise, they might not be able to school together, and they might end up nipping at each other. Subsequently, we don’t recommend putting the Serpae Tetras in tanks below 20-gallons.
Serpae Tetras live off insects, worms, and other living orgasms. However, in the home aquarium, they can eat flakes, pellets, and frozen food. Now and then, you must treat them with some live food.
3. Glowlight Tetras
- Care level: Easy
- Size: 2 inches
- Temperature range: 72 to 80 F
- PH range: 6.0 to 7.0
- Social Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish
- Tank size: 10 to 15 gallon
The Glowlight Tetra is popular because of its transparent body except for the orange line that reaches from head to tail. The same glowing orange color is reflected on the edge of the dorsal fin. They are small and slim, and the maximum they can be is 2 inches.
Glowlight Tetras are schooling fish. They need to be kept with at least 12 others of their kind. They also welcome the presence of other types of small fish, such as the danios, barbs, and different types of Tetras.
Unlike the Serpaes, the Glowlight Tetras are sensitive to water conditions. There should be a PH of between 6 and 7.5.
When setting up the tank, make sure that there are adequate plantations to create a dim environment. Create a balance between the plants and the open swimming area. You can add tannins to help dim the atmosphere even more and add a softer feel to the water.
Glowlight Tetras accept all kinds of food. However, you must diversify the food in their diet. They can eat flakes, or frozen food, and even fresh brine shrimp.
Glowlight Tetras can be successfully bred in aquariums. However, the process requires special preparations. You’ll need to have a separate tank with particular water parameters and low lighting.
4. Buenos Aires Tetra
- Care level: Easy
- Size: up to 2.75 inches
- Temperature range: 64 to 82 F
- PH range: 5.8 to 8.5
- Social Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish
- Tank size: 30 gallon
This is the largest Tetra on our list. It can grow up to 2.75 inches. Hence, a bigger tank is needed.
As the name suggests, the Buenos Aires Tetras comes from South America. They are freshwater fish, and they need clear water to survive.
With a large canvas, the body, the silver color makes a strong presence along with the blue glow around the fins. The orange color dominates the fins and around the eyes.
These are social fish that like to school. In general, they are peaceful; however, you don’t want to keep them around smaller fish. They also love to nip. Therefore, don’t put them around long-finned fish types.
Buenos Aires coexist better with bottom-dwelling fish and Tetras similar in size, such as the Serpae Tetra.
It’s worth noting that these are highly active fish that need plenty of space—the bigger the tank, the better. We also recommend that you use artificial plants instead since they can feed on real plants.
Conclusion
Having orange Tetras in your aquarium will brighten up your whole setup. The Tetras, in general, are active, peaceful, and undemanding. They eat anything, and they quickly adapt to different water conditions. That’s why it’s straightforward to create the perfect setup for your new little pets.
However, keep in mind that these are schooling fish, which means they need to be in large groups. A group of 12 to 25 is the right choice.
Keeping Tetras is suitable for both beginners and experienced fish keepers. Since most come from freshwater, specifically the Amazon, it’s essential that you do your best to replicate the environment in which they best survive.
Looking For More Colorful Tetra Ideas Check Out These Articles:
- Most Colorful Tetra Fish Species for Your Aquarium
- Golden Tetra Fish Ideas For Your Aquarium
- Green Tetra Fish Ideas For Your Aquarium
- Orange Tetra Fish Ideas For Your Aquarium
- Pink Tetra Fish Ideas for Your Aquarium
- Red Tetra Fish Ideas for Your Aquarium
- Black Tetra Fish Ideas for Your Aquarium
- Blue Tetra Fish Ideas for Your Aquarium
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