White-Spot Tetra (Aphyocharax paraguayensis) — 2-3cm

Overview of White-Spot Tetra

The freshwater fish for sale uk, scientifically known as Aphyocharax paraguayensis, a lively, schooling south american tetra with striking white spotting and a bold personality best suited to active community tanks.. The dawn tetra, panda tetra, or [Rio] Paraguay tetra (Aphyocharax nattereri) comes from the Rio Paraguay basin in Paraguay and Brazil. It is a schooling fish. Suitable temperatures for the Paraguay te

Native to South America; reported from the Paraguay River basin in Paraguay and Brazil, this moderate-care species belongs to the Characidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

The White-Spot Tetra displays the classic tetra body shape with distinctive markings that set it apart from other characins. Their schooling behavior creates a mesmerizing display of synchronized movement and color.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Aphyocharax paraguayensis inhabits south america; reported from the paraguay river basin in paraguay and brazil. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

These waters are typically soft, slightly acidic, and rich in tannins from decomposing leaf litter. Dense vegetation provides shelter and feeding opportunities, while seasonal flooding creates dynamic habitat conditions.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is essential for housing White-Spot Tetra. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

A well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas suits this species perfectly. Use a dark substrate to enhance coloration, and include driftwood and leaf litter to create natural tannins and hiding places.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of White-Spot Tetra:

• Temperature: 22-26C
• pH Range: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

This species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a omnivore, White-Spot Tetra requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Offer a varied diet of quality flake or micro-pellets supplemented regularly with frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The White-Spot Tetra is classified as semi-aggressive, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

Expect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.

Best kept in a secure school with plenty of swimming space and cover; this species can be very active and may be nippy or aggressive toward fish of similar or smaller size, especially if kept in too...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Fast-moving peaceful fish of similar size
• Other robust small characins
• Peaceful midwater fish that are not long-finned
• Small peaceful catfish such as Corydoras
• Peaceful bottom dwellers of similar size

Avoid housing with:

• Slow-moving or long-finned fish
• Very small fish or fry
• Shrimp and other tiny invertebrates
• Docile tetras and other timid species
• Fish with similar body shape that may be harassed

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

An egg-scattering species that may spawn in planted tanks or separate breeding setups; provide fine-leaved plants or spawning media and remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.

Egg-scattering species require dense planting or spawning mops to catch eggs. Remove adult fish immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry emerge in 24-48 hours and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Why Buy White-Spot Tetra from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your freshwater fish for sale uk purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our White-Spot Tetra specimens are among the finest freshwater fish for sale uk available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.