Robustulus tetra
Hyphessobrycon robustulus
Also known as Robust tetra, Junior Tetra
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 70–81°F
- 21–27°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.2
- Adult size
- 1.7 in
- 4.4 cm
- Minimum tank
- 16 gal
- 60 L
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Characidae
- Origin
- Upper Amazon basin, Peru
Overview
The Robustulus tetra is an adaptable, sturdy schooling fish that behaves like the dependable community tetras. Its plain looks keep it out of the spotlight, and it is best with a little experience.
Did you know
The Robustulus tetra was named in 1870, five years before the telephone was invented. Yet it reached the aquarium trade after tetras described in the 2010s.
Caring for the Robustulus tetra
Keep Robustulus tetras in a school of six or more. A planted tank of 16 gal (60 L) or larger with open water suits them.
They handle a broad band of tropical conditions, from 70 to 81°F (21 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.2. Clean water is their only special demand.
Feed them standard foods. Robustulus tetras swim in the middle of the tank, and they are peaceful and safe with other community fish.
Good to know
Hyphessobrycon robustulus is a tetra in the family Characidae, described by Cope. It is one of the oldest names in its genus, predating almost every tetra in the hobby. It wears an understated silver body with a dark shoulder mark, and its name means somewhat robust.
In the wild
The Robustulus tetra lives in the upper Amazon of Peru, in streams and river margins with moderate flow.
Weekly picks
Tank mates
The Robustulus tetra is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.
Darter tetra
Characidium fasciatum
Freshwater2.8 in (7 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)
Spotted splash tetra
Copella nattereri
Freshwater2 in (5 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Gold rabbit snail
Tylomelania gemmifera
Freshwater2.8 in (7 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
African oneline tetra
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Freshwater2.6 in (6.5 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
Kuhli loach
Pangio kuhlii
Freshwater3.9 in (10 cm) · 17 gal (65 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
Clown killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Freshwater1.4 in (3.5 cm) · 15 gal (55 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)
Common questions
What size tank does a Robustulus tetra need?
A Robustulus tetra needs at least 16 gal (60 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Robustulus tetra need?
A Robustulus tetra is comfortable at 70–81°F (21–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.2.
What does a Robustulus tetra eat?
A Robustulus tetra eats standard foods.
How big does a Robustulus tetra get?
An adult Robustulus tetra reaches about 1.7 in (4.4 cm).
Does a Robustulus tetra need a group?
Yes. A Robustulus tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.
Related species
1.7 in (4.4 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)Lapis tetra
Hyphessobrycon cyanotaenia
1.7 in (4.4 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)
1.7 in (4.4 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)Melanostichos tetra
Hyphessobrycon melanostichos
1.7 in (4.4 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)
1.8 in (4.5 cm)16 gal (60 L)68–79°F (20–26°C)Mayan tetra
Hyphessobrycon compressus
1.8 in (4.5 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)
1.8 in (4.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)Ornate tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
1.8 in (4.5 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
1.8 in (4.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Purple tetra
Hyphessobrycon metae
1.8 in (4.5 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
1.8 in (4.5 cm)17 gal (65 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)Serpae tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
1.8 in (4.5 cm) · 17 gal (65 L)