Breeding / Rarely bred at home
Rarely bred at home · Moderate
Breeding the blue tetra
Now bred in aquaculture: once rare in the hobby, it has become more widely available as farm production has increased. Acidic water probably helps with breeding.
Step by step
Pairing
Needs a large group in mature, stable conditions; pairing is hard to control.
Breeding tank
Roomy, planted tank with very soft acidic water (pH 5-6.5), subdued light and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mat.
What starts it
Rain-season style changes: soft cool water changes, a small temperature rise and heavy live feeding.
Eggs and young
50-150 eggs
Raising the fry
Infusoria then brine shrimp nauplii; survival is poor without very clean water.
Common mistakes
- Hard tap water
- Overcrowding the breeding tank
- Poor water quality
Male or female
- Male: Slimmer
- Female: Rounder
- View from above
Can I breed it in my tank?
- This species is rarely bred in home tanks.
- Takes some experience.