fish · Acestrorhamphidae
Rosy tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
Wild range: Essequibo, Corantijn and Suriname River basins (Guyana, Suriname; Brazil records in trade literature); sluggish forested blackwater/clearwater tributaries (South America)
At a glance: Rosy tetra care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Rosy tetra?
The compiled profile lists 24.0–28.0 °C for Rosy tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Rosy tetra?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 20.0 US gallons (76.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Rosy tetra?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 5.5–7.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Primarily forested sluggish tributaries off main channels; water often tannin-stained (weak tea), soft and acidic from decaying leaf litter (Seriously Fish). Not typically a plant-choked biotope in the wild, but thrives in planted aquaria with dim light and open midwater swimming space.
Where they are found
Catalog keeps trade/ITIS name Hyphessobrycon rosaceus Durbin, 1909 (ITIS TSN 639868; Seriously Fish). CoF CURRENT STATUS and FishBase treat the species as Megalamphodus rosaceus (Durbin, 1909) after Melo et al. 2024, in Acestrorhamphidae:Megalamphodinae — noted here; family Characidae retained to match other live tetra rows. Synonyms include Hyphessobrycon ornatus Ahl, 1934 and Hyphessobrycon bentosi rosaceus. DO NOT CONFUSE with ornate tetra Hyphessobrycon/Megalamphodus bentosi: H. bentosi has a dark humeral blotch behind the operculum that H. rosaceus lacks (Seriously Fish). Trade also sells 'white-fin' rosy tetra variants. Most aquarium stock is farm-bred (Eastern Europe / Asia), not wild-caught Guianas fish.
Aquarium care
Peaceful, beginner-friendly South American tetra for planted community tanks when kept in a proper school. Plan at least a 20 US gallon (~76 L) tank for a group of 6+ (Seriously Fish cites ~18 gal / 60×38 cm base as an absolute floor for a small group; AquariumStocking recommends 20 gal). Prefer 24–28°C, soft slightly acidic to neutral water (pH ~5.5–7.5, GH 1–12); colour is best in softer, more acidic conditions. Provide open midwater swimming space plus dense planting, driftwood, and optional leaf litter/tannins; dim to moderate light. Prefer calmer flow (baffle HOB or use sponge filtration). Not a nano species when schooling properly. Avoid hard alkaline or cool water long-term.
Feeding
Feeds chiefly on small invertebrates in nature (Seriously Fish); unfussy omnivore in the aquarium. Offer quality micro flakes or small granules as staple, plus regular live/frozen foods (Artemia, Daphnia, chopped bloodworm) and occasional color-enhancing foods. Feed small portions once or twice daily so food is cleared quickly.
Compatibility
Genuinely peaceful schooling tetra — keep at least 6 (preferably 8–10+) so they school confidently and males display fin-flaring without stress (Seriously Fish, AquariumStocking). Excellent with other small peaceful South American tetras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma), Corydoras, Otocinclus, small rasboras/anabantoids, and often shrimp-safe with adult dwarf shrimp. Avoid large predators, boisterous fish, and known fin-nippers (extended male dorsal/anal fins are vulnerable). Safe with angels/discus of appropriate size when water parameters overlap (Seriously Fish).
Breeding
Egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care (Seriously Fish, Aqua-Fish). Soft acidic water (pH ~5.5–6.5, GH 1–5), dim light, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, ~26.5–29°C. Spawn in groups or conditioned pairs; remove adults after spawning. Eggs hatch in ~24–36 h; fry free-swimming in 3–4 days; start on infusoria then baby brine shrimp. Eggs/fry are light-sensitive early on.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.