Which tetras are best for beginners?

Ember, emperor and Colombian tetras are the forgiving picks — small, hardy and unfussed by typical UK water. Neons and cardinals are just as keepable but want a mature, fully cycled tank first, so make them the second addition, never the fish that opens a new setup.

How many tetras should I keep?

Ten or more of the same species is the honest minimum — six is survivable but you'll see nervous, washed-out fish. In a big school tetras swim in open water, colour up fully and show the coordinated shoaling behaviour you bought them for. Budget schools, not pairs.

Can I mix different tetra species?

Side by side, absolutely — embers over the plants, emperors mid-water, pencilfish at the surface makes a beautiful layered tank. But each species only schools with its own kind, so buy 8-10 of each rather than three of many. Mixed singles never form a shoal.

Are cardinal tetras hardy?

Less forgiving than neons. Cardinals want warm (23-27°C), soft, acidic water and a mature tank, and wild-caught imports need careful acclimatisation. Captive-bred cardinals — which is what we stock when available — are noticeably tougher. Treat them as a fish for the settled tank, not the new one.

Tetras for Sale UK

Premium Tetras for sale UK — Cardinal, Ember, Black Neon, Rummy Nose, Serpae, Diamond, Glowlight and more. Peaceful community schoolers.

69 products available

The tetra wall: over a hundred live characin species and forms, from ember, emperor, golden and Colombian tetras through green neons to pencilfish and silver dollars. If it shoals and shimmers, it's probably here — every listing is live, current stock.

Tetras are schooling fish to their core. Pick a species, buy ten of it, keep the water warm and stable, and you get the moving ribbon of colour that makes planted tanks famous. Boxes ship insulated with oxygen-charged bags and our live arrival guarantee.

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Frequently asked questions

Most classic community tetras — ember, emperor, glowlight types, Colombian — sit between £2 and £5 per fish, so a proper school of ten is £20-£50. Wild-caught and collector species cost more. Prices below are live: what's listed is what's in stock today.

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Complete Tetras Care Guide

Tank setup, diet, water parameters and tank-mate compatibility, backed by cited sources.

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