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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
Origin
Upper Amazon basin, Peru
Family
Characidae

Overview

An adaptable, sturdy schooler: six or more, standard foods, and no special demands beyond clean water. Its long scientific history and plain looks keep it out of the spotlight, but it behaves like the dependable community tetras it predates.

In the wild

The robustulus tetra lives in the upper Amazon of Peru, in streams and river margins with moderate flow. It handles a broad band of tropical conditions: 21 to 27 degrees Celsius and pH 5.5 to 7.2 in a planted tank with open water.

Good to know

Described by Cope in 1870, Hyphessobrycon robustulus is one of the oldest names in the genus, predating almost every tetra in the hobby. It reaches about 4.4 centimeters and wears an understated silver body with a dark shoulder mark, the name meaning somewhat robust.

Did you know

This fish was named in 1870, five years before the telephone was invented, yet it reached the aquarium trade after tetras described in the 2010s.

Tank mates

Robustulus tetra is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

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 do Robustulus tetra need?

Robustulus tetra are comfortable at 70–81°F (21–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.2.

How big do Robustulus tetra get?

An adult Robustulus tetra reaches about 1.7 in (4.4 cm).

Do Robustulus tetra need a group?

Yes. Robustulus 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.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Tetras · Schooling fish · Community fish

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