Spot-tail Tetra

Tetragonopterus argenteus

Spot-tail Tetra (Tetragonopterus argenteus) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Tetra & Characin. Minimum tank in the app: 32 US gal min; aim for 72–81°F and pH 5.5–7.5. The Spot-tail Tetra appeals to aquarists seeking a vibrant, shoaling species that thrives in well-planned environments.

Spot-tail Tetra (Tetragonopterus argenteus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size32 US gal min
pH range5.5–7.5
Temperature72–81°F
Max size3.9 in (10.0 cm)
Captive lifespan5–10 years
SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

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.

Spot-tail Tetra Tank Setup

Designing a tank for Spot-tail Tetras requires a balance of open swimming space and strategic hiding spots. A larger tank (245L+) should feature gentle flow and plenty of plants or decor that can create visual barriers without obstructing swim lanes. Soft substrate and subdued lighting can help mimic their natural habitat while enhancing their colors and reducing stress.

What Do Spot-tail Tetras Eat?

These tetras are adept foragers, favoring micro-sized foods and exhibiting a moderate feeding pace. Competition can arise if introduced to faster, more aggressive feeders, which may lead to undernourishment.

Spot-tail Tetra Tank Mates

Spot-tail Tetras coexist harmoniously with similarly sized, peaceful species that occupy different vertical spaces. Ideal companions include other tetras, smaller rasboras, and non-aggressive bottom dwellers. Avoid larger, predatory fish or overly territorial species that could disrupt their schooling behavior.

Are Spot-tail 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 importance of group size, leading to loneliness and stress in smaller numbers. neglecting water quality can result in health issues, as these fish are sensitive to parameters like pH and temperature.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

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