Red fin glass tetra - Prionobrama filigera

The redfin t etra Prionobrama filigera is another representative of the true tetras and has a relatively large distribution area in South America, which extends over the entire Amazon basin. It is also known to occur from the south of Brazil to Argentina, where the Redfin Tetra can be found in both black and white water.

The sexes are difficult to distinguish at first glance, both females and males have an almost transparent body (hence the name glass tetra) and also the tail fins are more or less intensely colored red in both sexes. The animals can be distinguished by the final size, adult females are somewhat stronger and larger than the males and can develop a translucent golden spot in the abdominal region, which indicates the spawning. Males, on the other hand, are more slender and can be identified by the extended first rays of the anal fin, which is where the suffix "filigera" (filamentous) in the Latin name comes from. Males are full-grown with approx. 6 cm, females can become approx. 1 cm larger and clearly rounder.

Also in the aquarium the reproduction of the Redfin Tetra is quite possible, like many other tetras the Redfin Tetra is an open spawner and can attach up to 300 eggs to for example fine finned plants. Usually it also lays its clutches in the early morning hours.

Due to the swimming behavior of the animals, tanks from 80-100 cm edge length are recommended. The aquarium should be set up in such a way that the fish have enough free swimming space for their display and courtship behavior on the one hand, and on the other hand there are also retreat possibilities in the form of background plants and floating plants. A somewhat more powerful filtration would be recommended, since the animals like to stand in the current. A dark substrate promotes the well-being of the Glass Tetras. Since the redfin glass tetras are quite jumping aquarium fish, the aquarium should be covered, furthermore they stay mainly in the middle to upper water area.

We recommend keeping this schooling fish in groups of at least 6 animals, although the animals also feel much more comfortable in larger groups and a school of these little jewels in the aquarium leaves a lasting impression. Suitable tank mates include smaller South American dwarf cichlids or, if the tank is large enough, angelfish . In and of itself other peaceful fish species are suitable, because also the redfin glass tetra is rather a quiet fellow. Various Corydoras and Ancistrus species, which enliven the substrate, are also suitable.

The omnivorous Redfin Tetra feeds in its natural habitat among other things on small crustaceans and flying insects, but in the aquarium it can be fed without problems with commercially available dry food such as granulated food or flake food for carnivorous fish. In addition, frozen foods and live foods round out its menu perfectly. White, black and red mosquito larvae are particularly suitable here, but also daphnia, water fleas or artemia.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore also suitable for larger fish. NH Cichfeed is a soft granulate for predominantly carnivorous fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that fish naturally eat, and the soft granules protect the fish mouth from micro-injuries that can occur from hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.