Skip to main content
Blue Tetra© Axel Zarske and D. Bork / CC BY 4.0

Blue Tetra

The Blue Tetra is a small characin known for the vivid blue sheen along its body—so intense that some fish are mistaken for dyed specimens. Despite its small size, it's a highly active swimmer that thrives in a lively shoal. During feeding time or in a cramped tank, Blue Tetras can nip at other fish's fins, so tankmates and swimming space need some thought. A dark substrate paired with floating plants makes their blue coloring really pop. Adults reach about 5cm, and this species is generally considered suitable for intermediate-level keepers.

View Blue Tetra encyclopedia →
Limited Time Offer

0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only
Register Now for Free

Our 6 Transparency Commitments

All Tropical Fish listings include water quality, temperament, and tank size information from verified Breeder.

  • Origin Disclosed
  • Real Photos
  • Water Quality Disclosed
  • Recommended Tank Size
  • Temperament Disclosed
  • Breed Line Disclosed
Browse all 301 breeds
0 items

Verified breeders wanted for Tropical Fish

Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.

Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.

Browse other categories

Verified breeders (preview)

Are you raising tropical fish?

Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.

Apply as a breeder

About Blue Tetra

Blue Tetra: a small characin with vivid blue coloring and an active, shoaling nature. May nip fins if crowded or underfed. Adults reach about 5cm; suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Blue Tetra

  1. 1Vivid Blue Coloring

    The Blue Tetra's body shines with an intense blue that's so vivid, newcomers sometimes assume it's been dyed. Paired with a dark substrate, this coloring stands out even more.

  2. 2Small but Very Active

    Despite its small size, this fish swims energetically throughout the tank. Choose a tank with plenty of open swimming space to keep it comfortable.

  3. 3Watch for Fin-Nipping

    At feeding time or in a cramped tank, Blue Tetras may nip at other fish's fins. Avoid overcrowding and long-finned tankmates, and make sure feeding amounts are adequate.

  4. 4Keep in a Group

    Keeping a proper shoal rather than just one or two fish spreads out nipping behavior and reduces stress on any single tankmate. Consider bringing home a small group together.

  5. 5Ideal Tank Layout

    A dark substrate combined with floating plants really makes the blue coloring pop. Adding some shaded spots also helps the fish feel secure.

  6. 6Adults Reach About 5cm

    Blue Tetras stay compact, reaching only about 5cm as adults. Still, because they're such active swimmers, choose a tank sized for their activity level, not just their body size.

  7. 7Suited to Intermediate Keepers

    This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers who have some experience with water quality management and tankmate selection. Make sure your tank is fully cycled and stable before bringing them home.

Frequently asked questions about Blue Tetra

Q.Is the Blue Tetra suitable for beginners?
A.The Blue Tetra is generally considered a fish for intermediate keepers. Having some experience with water quality management and choosing compatible tankmates helps ensure a smooth experience.
Q.Can Blue Tetras be kept with other fish?
A.Community keeping is possible, but Blue Tetras may nip at other fish's fins during feeding time or in a crowded tank. Avoid pairing them with long-finned species and make sure there's enough space.
Q.How big do Blue Tetras get?
A.Adults reach a compact size of about 5cm. Since they're very active swimmers, though, it's worth choosing a tank sized for their activity level rather than just their body size.
Q.What kind of tank layout works best?
A.A dark substrate paired with floating plants makes the blue coloring stand out beautifully. Adding some shaded areas also helps the fish feel secure.
Q.Is the Blue Tetra subject to CITES?
A.No, the Blue Tetra is classified as not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Blue Tetra care

💧Aquarium Volume CalculatorCalculate water volume, weight, and heater wattage from tank dimensions🧪Water Quality CheckerFind compatible fish, shrimp, plants & corals based on pH, temperature & hardness🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage🤝Compatibility CheckerCheck compatibility between two species on a 5-level scale📊Fish Compatibility MatrixCheck fish compatibility at a glance with our matrix chart🔄Nitrogen Cycle GuideAuto-calculate bacteria colonization timeline for new tank cycling🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glance🚿Water Change CalculatorAuto-calculate optimal water change frequency and volume by tank size and fish count🐠Stocking CalculatorCalculate max fish capacity for your tank size with overstocking alertsElectricity Cost SimulatorCalculate monthly and annual electricity costs for care equipment with presets🧬Breeding PlannerSelect parent varieties to view breeding schedules and offspring patterns🏞️Tank Layout PlannerGet substrate, plant & hardscape suggestions based on tank size and style🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance💊Medication Dosage CalculatorCalculate proper medication dosage by body weight and medicine type for fish, reptiles, and small animals⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Blue Tetra in the encyclopedia

View Blue Tetra encyclopedia entry →

Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

More in this category

Can't find the one you're looking for?

Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.