Flag Tetra
Characidae sp.
Flag Tetra (Characidae sp.) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Tetra & Characin. Minimum tank in the app: 15.9 US gal min; aim for 70–81°F and pH 5.5–7.5. The Flag Tetra is an attractive choice for aquarists who appreciate dynamic shoaling behavior and vibrant schooling displays.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Mostly South America
- South America
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Flag Tetra Tank Setup
To accommodate the Flag Tetra's social nature, opt for a 60L tank with ample open swimming space paired with patches of vegetation for security. A soft substrate and moderate lighting will enhance their colors, while gentle water flow mimics their natural habitats, promoting comfort and activity.
What Do Flag Tetras Eat?
Being omnivores, they thrive on micro foods, but their small size means they can be outcompeted by larger tank mates. Offer a varied diet with high-quality flakes or small pellets to ensure all individuals have access, thus promoting health and vibrant coloration without stress.
Flag Tetra Tank Mates
Flag Tetras pair well with similarly sized, peaceful species that occupy different swimming levels, such as rasboras or smaller corydoras. Avoid aggressive or overly large fish that may dominate feeding, and maintain groups of at least six to minimize stress and establish a cohesive social structure.
Are Flag Tetras Good for Beginners?
In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often underestimate the need for group dynamics, resulting in solitary individuals that exhibit stress. Overcrowding can also lead to poor water quality, while neglecting to provide a balanced diet may result in lethargy and diminished color vibrancy.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.




