Red flush tetra

Care at a glance

Overview

Keep a group of at least 8, since good numbers deepen the red coloring and keep the fish bold. It is a hardy, peaceful community fish that suits most soft to moderately hard setups. The red glows strongest over dark substrate in well planted tanks.

In the wild

Lives in clear and blackwater streams and flooded areas of the Amazon and Guianas. It shoals in the middle water among wood, roots, and marginal plants. The water tends to be warm, soft, and slightly acidic.

Good to know

Hemigrammus stictus is a sturdy tetra reaching about 6 cm, with a bright red flush at the base of the tail and a red wash over the shoulder and gill area. A dark spot sits at the tail base. It is a member of the large genus Hemigrammus.

Did you know

The vivid red patch at the tail base gives the fish its name and lights up when a settled group is in good condition.

Related species

• 

  Golden Tetra

  Hemigrammus rodwayi

  2.2 in (5.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Rummy-nose tetra

  Hemigrammus rhodostomus

  2 in (5 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

• 

  Garnet tetra

  Hemigrammus pulcher

  1.8 in (4.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)

• 

  Head-and-taillight tetra

  Hemigrammus ocellifer

  1.8 in (4.5 cm)17 gal (65 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Glowlight tetra

  Hemigrammus erythrozonus

  1.6 in (4 cm)18 gal (70 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  January tetra

  Hemigrammus hyanuary

  1.6 in (4 cm)17 gal (65 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)