
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Megalamphodus rosaceus
A small characin with a pale pink body and a tall dorsal fin edged in white and black. Males develop extended fins. Peaceful and hardy, but outcompeted by pushy tank mates.
Megalamphodus rosaceus is a small characin from the Essequibo, Corantijn and Suriname River basins, from Guyana into Suriname. FishBase gives 3.4cm SL, pH 5.8-7.5, up to 20 dH and 24-28C. Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 5.5-7.5, 1-12 dGH and a base of at least 60 by 38cm, about 68 litres. The whole body carries a pale pink wash and the tall dorsal fin is edged in white and black. Males have extended dorsal and anal fins and are slimmer and more colourful than females. It is very peaceful and will lose out on food beside fast or large fish, so a group of about ten of its own kind is the usual approach. It is an egg scatterer, and Seriously Fish gives pH 5.5-6.5 and 1-5 gH for the spawning tank.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Rosy Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Rosy Tetra grows to About 3.5-4cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Rosy Tetra is 24〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Essequibo, Corantijn and Suriname River basins)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
About 3.5-4cm SL
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Megalamphodus rosaceus (Durbin, 1909)
Synonyms: Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 60 by 38cm, about 68 litres. Dense fine-leaved plants with driftwood and floating cover settle it and deepen the colour; leave open water through the middle.
Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 5.5-7.5 and 1-12 dGH; FishBase gives pH 5.8-7.5 and 24-28C. It is not a cool-water fish, so keep it from dropping below 24C.
Very peaceful and no match for boisterous or much larger fish. It suits other South American small characins, pencilfish, Apistogramma, Corydoras and small loricariids. Keep six at minimum and preferably ten or more.
It feeds chiefly on small invertebrates in the wild and is unfussy in the aquarium. Feed dried flakes and granules with frozen bloodworm and Daphnia mixed in, and watch the particle size because its mouth is small.
An egg scatterer with no parental care. Seriously Fish describes a small dimly lit spawning tank with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base, at pH 5.5-6.5, 1-5 gH and 26.5-29C, with the adults removed after spawning.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. Many species in Hyphessobrycon remain incertae sedis, and the rosy tetra group it belongs to is easily confused in shops. The closely related Hyphessobrycon bentosi is sold under the same name rosy tetra and can be told apart by whether a dark blotch sits behind the gill cover: present in bentosi, absent in this species. Check that single feature when buying.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Rosy Tetra is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Rosy Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Rosy Tetra typically reaches About 3.5-4cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Rosy Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Rosy Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026