The Reed Tetra (Hyphessobrycon elachys) is a slender, peaceful schooling fish admired for its minimalist beauty and calm temperament. At around 3cm, this species features a slightly elongated, silver-to-translucent body with soft yellow and light pink undertones, making it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking subtle elegance rather than bright colors. Native to the small forest streams of South America, the Reed Tetra thrives in heavily planted, blackwater-style aquariums with soft, warm water.

This tetra is a favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts and hobbyists focused on creating natural biotopes or gentle community aquariums.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon elachys

• Common Name: Reed Tetra

• Size: 3cm (adult size)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, calm, schooling

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

• Origin: South America (Paraguay River Basin)

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

Reed Tetras do best in soft, acidic, and clean water, similar to the slow-moving streams they inhabit in the wild.

• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• Hardness: 1–8 dGH

• Tank Size: 15 gallons or more (for groups)

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Filtration: Gentle flow with good oxygenation

• Lighting: Low to moderate (brings out natural coloration)

Include driftwood, Indian almond leaves, and soft-leaved plants to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spaces.

🐟 Tank Mates

Reed Tetras are excellent community fish due to their calm and non-aggressive nature.

Ideal tank mates:

• Small rasboras (e.g., Chili, Harlequin)

• Peaceful tetras (e.g., Ember, Neon, Glowlight)

• Corydoras catfish

• Otocinclus

• Small peaceful gouramis (like Sparkling or Honey Gourami)

• Dwarf shrimp and snails (with caution)

Avoid:

• Boisterous or fast-swimming species

• Fin-nippers or larger aggressive fish

They do best in schools of 6 or more, where they exhibit more natural behavior and feel secure.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Reed Tetras are omnivorous and easy to feed, accepting a wide variety of food types.

Recommended diet:

• High-quality micro pellets or flake food

• Live/frozen foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia

• Freeze-dried alternatives

• Vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes

Feed once or twice daily, in small portions that they can consume in 2–3 minutes.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform regular water changes (20–25% weekly)

• Maintain stable water parameters

• Use a tight-fitting lid, as tetras may jump

• Avoid overcrowding to reduce stress

• Provide shaded areas and plants for comfort

This species is relatively hardy, making it a good choice for aquarists who want a peaceful and low-key fish with elegant movement.

🌿 Why Choose the Reed Tetra?

The Reed Tetra is perfect for those who appreciate understated beauty, calm schooling behavior, and biotope-style aquariums. With their gentle personality and shimmering, reed-like appearance, they bring a natural and tranquil charm to community or species-specific setups.

Bring soft elegance and peace to your aquarium—choose the Reed Tetra today!