Breeding / Rarely bred at home
Rarely bred at home · Hard
Breeding the ruby tetra
Egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants in soft, acidic water; once in condition adults spawn daily, and a few fry may appear unaided in a mature, planted tank.
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
20-50 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
Adult males are slightly smaller and more intensely coloured; mature females are rounder-bodied, especially when full of eggs.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- This species is rarely bred in home tanks.
- Hard: for experienced breeders.