Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon bentosi) — 2-2,5cm

Overview

The Rosy Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon bentosi, is a peaceful, shimmering South American tetra that adds soft pink-red colour and lively schooling movement to community aquariums. Reaching up to 4cm in length, this species is well-suited to aquariums of at least 75 litres and thrives in soft, acidic water with gentle filtration and plenty of plants. Available for tropical fish delivery UK, the Rosy Tetra is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a hardy, colourful tetra that brings natural beauty and engaging behaviour to planted community setups.

Appearance

The Rosy Tetra is a small, elegant characin with a soft pink-red body that intensifies under good lighting and optimal water conditions. The scales shimmer with a subtle iridescence, and the dorsal fin displays a distinctive black and white pattern. Males typically develop more intense coloration and a slightly deeper body than females, especially during spawning periods. The fins are delicate and translucent, adding to the fish's graceful appearance. Overall, the Rosy Tetra is a beautiful, understated addition to planted community aquariums, where its soft colours and lively schooling behaviour create a natural, dynamic display.

Natural Habitat

Native to northern South America, especially the Amazon basin, the Rosy Tetra inhabits slow-moving streams, tributaries, and flooded forest areas with soft, acidic water. In the wild, these tetras are found in shaded areas with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and leaf litter, where they feed on small insects, insect larvae, and zooplankton. The water is typically tannin-stained from decomposing organic matter, creating a natural blackwater environment. Replicating these conditions in the aquarium—with soft water, subdued lighting, and plenty of plants—will help bring out the best colours and most natural behaviour in this species.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is suitable for a school of Rosy Tetras. Use a substrate of sand or fine gravel, and plant the aquarium densely with fine-leaved plants such as Java fern, Amazon swords, and Cryptocoryne species. Include driftwood and leaf litter to create a natural Amazonian biotope and provide tannins that soften and acidify the water. Use gentle filtration to avoid strong currents, and maintain soft, slightly acidic water with regular small water changes. Subdued lighting will reduce stress and enhance the fish's natural colours. A well-planted, dimly lit aquarium will encourage the Rosy Tetra to display its most vibrant colours and confident behaviour.

Feeding

Rosy Tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied small-particle diet. Offer a staple of quality micro pellets or flakes formulated for small tetras, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Include some fine plant-based foods or spirulina to support digestive health. Feed twice daily in small portions that can be consumed within a few minutes, and vary the diet to ensure balanced nutrition. A varied diet will enhance coloration, support immune function, and encourage natural foraging behaviour. Ensure food is small enough for these tiny fish to consume easily.

Behaviour

The Rosy Tetra is a peaceful, social fish that thrives in schools of at least six individuals. In a proper shoal, these tetras display confident, lively behaviour, swimming actively throughout the aquarium and exploring all levels. They are non-aggressive and make excellent community fish, coexisting peacefully with other small, peaceful species. Rosy Tetras are most active during the day and often school tightly when startled or in new environments. Keeping them in a proper group is essential for their well-being, as solitary individuals or small groups become shy and stressed.

Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure compatibility with these small, peaceful tetras. Suitable companions include other peaceful small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, and small peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species such as tiger barbs, and very boisterous or territorial tankmates. The Rosy Tetra is an ideal inhabitant for peaceful community aquariums and thrives alongside other soft-water South American species in naturalistic biotope setups.

Breeding

Rosy Tetras are egg scatterers that may spawn over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops in soft, acidic water. Condition a pair or group with high-quality live and frozen foods, then place them in a separate breeding tank with very soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and gentle filtration. The female scatters eggs over plants or substrate, and the male fertilizes them. Adults should be removed after spawning because they may eat eggs and fry. Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours, and fry can be raised on infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp. Breeding tetras requires patience and careful water management but is a rewarding challenge.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a trusted supplier of freshwater tropical fish for sale, offering healthy, vibrant Rosy Tetras sourced from reputable breeders and quarantined for quality assurance. We provide expert guidance on tetra fish for sale UK, planted tank setup, water chemistry, and compatible tankmates to help you create a thriving South American community aquarium. With secure packaging, reliable peaceful tropical fish delivery, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Tropical Fish Co makes it easy to buy tropical fish online UK with confidence. Whether you're building your first planted community tank or adding to an established collection, our knowledgeable team is here to support your success.