Margitae tetra
Hyphessobrycon margitae
Also known as Margita's tetra, Bleeding Blue Tetra
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–81°F (22–27°C)
- pH
- 5.5–7.2
- Adult size
- 1.9 in (4.8 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 16 gal (60 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Peru
- Family
- Characidae
Overview
A peaceful, slightly larger schooler; keep six or more with medium-sized calm companions. It takes flake, granules, and frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp without hesitation. Its size and steady schooling make it a good anchor fish for a Peru-themed softwater display.
In the wild
A Peruvian tetra from soft lowland waters, at home in the dim, tannin-tinted conditions typical of the region's forest streams. A dark-bottomed tank with wood, leaves, gentle flow, 22 to 27 degrees Celsius, and pH 5.5 to 7.2 fits it.
Good to know
Hyphessobrycon margitae is a recent addition to the genus from Peru, reaching about 4.8 centimeters, larger than most of its close relatives. It remains scarce in the hobby, appearing mainly through specialist Peruvian importers.
Did you know
Tetras are still being described from Peru at a steady clip, and this one is recent enough that most reference books simply have not caught up to it yet.
Tank mates
Margitae tetra is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.
Nain dwarf cory
Gastrodermus nanusFreshwater1.8 in (4.5 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
Horseman cory
Osteogaster equesFreshwater2 in (5 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
Merry widow livebearer
Phallichthys amatesFreshwater2.5 in (6.4 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–86°F (22–30°C)
Checkered Barb
Oliotius oligolepisFreshwater1.8 in (4.5 cm)16 gal (60 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)
Elegant cory
Gastrodermus elegansFreshwater2.1 in (5.4 cm)16 gal (60 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)
Dwarf gourami
Trichogaster laliusFreshwater3 in (7.5 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Common questions
What size tank does a Margitae tetra need?
A Margitae tetra needs at least 16 gal (60 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH do Margitae tetra need?
Margitae tetra are comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.2.
How big do Margitae tetra get?
An adult Margitae tetra reaches about 1.9 in (4.8 cm).
Do Margitae tetra need a group?
Yes. Margitae tetra are a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Flip Aquatics Quarantined shrimp, snails and nano fish
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Margitae tetra?
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Related species
Lemon tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnisFreshwater2 in (5 cm)17 gal (65 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)Itaparica tetra
Hyphessobrycon itaparicensisFreshwater1.8 in (4.6 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
Mayan Tetra
Hyphessobrycon compressusFreshwater1.8 in (4.5 cm)16 gal (60 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)
Ornate tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosiFreshwater1.8 in (4.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
Purple tetra
Hyphessobrycon metaeFreshwater1.8 in (4.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)
Serpae tetra
Hyphessobrycon equesFreshwater1.8 in (4.5 cm)17 gal (65 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)