Rarest Tetra Fish: Top 11 Interesting Species

A tetra fish is a freshwater fish with four dorsal fins and four anal fins. It is also known as the Paracheirodon in the aquarium trade. Tetra fish are popular in home aquaria because they are one of the few freshwater fish that can survive in low-oxygen conditions. There is an abundance of tetra types that have been discovered already but you might be asking, “what is the rarest tetra?”.

In this article, we are going to list down some of the rarest types of tetra and their characteristics that set them aside from common tetra types.

Rare Types of Tetra

Rainbow Tetra (Nematobrycon lacortei)

The rainbow tetra is also sometimes referred to as the rainbow fish which means that they have a certain color of the body that’s changing in shades of gold, green and orange to red-orange when you look at it from different angles or backlight sources such as windows and lamps. They are really small compared to other tetras so usually, they are only for nano tanks but adorable looking. It is a shy fish and it prefers to live in colonies of at least six. In the wild, they are found in fast-moving rivers and streams with plenty of vegetation. They eat small invertebrates and plants. The rainbow tetra is hardy and can be kept in most aquariums provided there is plenty of plant life for them to graze on, as well as some decent-sized rocks or hiding places for when they feel uneasy. They typically prefer warm water but can be kept with some cold water fish if there are other inhabitants of the tank that do well in different temperature zones.

Black Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi)

The Black Tetra is a tetra fish that exists in three different color variations; light blue, yellow, and orange. Even though there are many varieties of the black tetra in the aquarium trade, there still may only be a few ones left alive as some pet shops no longer keep them in stock due to their high demand from owners according to specialized websites available online which explains more about these particular types of dark tetra tetras. This fish has a very long and slender body with four pectoral fins and four anal fins.

Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

The black phantom tetra is a freshwater fish that looks entirely translucent when under bright light sources. They are really rare because the brighter the lights source, the more you will be able to see its translucent body. Its distinct eggs may come in very dark colors but the brightness of sunlight depends on how deep they live in their home territories which are still not well-researched.

Dwarf Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

The dwarf tetra, also commonly known as ember tetra, is a tetra fish that only grows to about 2 inches in length. They are often found hiding among plants and rocks in the wild, so it is not uncommon for them to be rarer than other types of tetras. They have delicate skin and require a lot of room in their tank to swim. They are not the best choice for new fish owners because they can be difficult to keep healthy and alive. A large enough tank is important for them, as well as plenty of hiding places and plants for them to hide among. They feed on small invertebrates, so they will need good quality fish food that includes meat-based proteins.

Red Laser Tetra (Hemigrammus coeruleus)

This tetra definitely stands out in your tank with its bright red body, yellow and green iridescence, and highly visible red lasers. They are relatively easy to keep as they thrive in a planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places as well as good feeder scavenging ability.

Red Cherry Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp.)

The Red Cherry Tetra is a relatively small tetra that stands out with its dark red, cherry-colored body. They are not as active as some other tetras and prefer to spend their time hiding among plants or rocks in your aquarium. They do well when kept with other temperate fish species but can be aggressive towards smaller bottom feeders.

Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)

There are several kinds of glowlight tetras, and they appear to be the most flavorful species available in aquariums. Glow tetras feed on small organisms so that their bodies have bioluminescent luminescence which includes blue and green lights flickering at night time, especially when they are active underground such as while digging a tunnel or feeding on plankton swimming around them but during the day, these tetras still glow brightly. Glow tetras resemble small fireflies and create a wonderful effect when seen in groups of four or more juveniles at night time while feeding on the same food but owners must provide adequate light so that they could see them dive, unlike other types who just stay around doing their own thing not paying any attention. In addition, the glowlight tetra is a tetra that can easily be kept in a planted aquarium. It is also one of the few tetras that do well with other species of fish. They are active swimmers and will chase after food, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least six.

Banded Tetra (Astyanax fasciatus)

The banded tetra is another type of tetra that has dark banding around its body. This makes them somewhat more difficult to find in the wild, but they make great additions to a well-established tank. They are also one of the more peaceful fish, preferring to live in colonies of at least six. They eat small invertebrates and plants. The banded tetra is a good choice for new fish owners because they are relatively easy to keep healthy and require less care than some other types of tetras. They do well in most aquariums provided there is plenty of plant life for them to feed on as well as some decent-sized rocks or bogwood to hide among.

Blue Tetra (Boehlkea fredcochui)

The blue tetra is not at all known in the wild and is only kept as an aquarium fish. They can reach very large sizes, but they don’t live quite long either. In addition, they are usually sold as small juveniles, but they grow very fast and can be dangerous to other fish. This fish prefers a lot of vegetation in its tank, so it is not the best choice for an all-plants tank. They are usually docile and easy to care for, as long as they have plenty of hiding places and reduced light. They feed mainly on small invertebrates, but will also eat plant matter if given the chance.

Blue-Eyed Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus aurantiacus)

The blue-eyed Congo tetra has a unique method of camouflage by resembling plant life almost perfectly when it spawns right on land instead of swimming around prominently looking for plants to hide behind. Only individuals smaller than migrating female fish have been captured with their biologically protected habitat, so these types of tetra are encountered only rarely among the wild.

Blueberry Tetra (Hyphessobrycon wadai)

This tetra has some similar distinguishing features that include its dual-banded coloring and your typical blue body coloration with a bright red belly when first acquired by aquarists. However, this tetra is destined to be a much more popular pet among fish enthusiasts due to its rather quirky and peculiar coloring! The body of the blueberry tetra starts with an iridescent slate gray coloration that holds over time as white drips along the top of the head are rubbed off or lost altogether.