The Tukano Tetra (Tucanoichthys tucano) is a tiny, rare, and delicate nano fish prized for its vibrant red and black markings and peaceful schooling behavior. Native to the Rio Uaupes near the Tukano indigenous territory in Brazil, this species is one of the smallest tetras in the aquarium trade, reaching just around 1–1.5cm when fully grown. Its unique coloration and graceful swimming make it an exceptional choice for advanced aquarists looking to recreate authentic South American blackwater biotopes.

Due to its size and sensitivity, the Tukano Tetra is best kept in a species-only setup or with ultra-peaceful micro fish, in tanks that mimic its native, leaf-litter-rich environment.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Tucanoichthys tucano

• Common Name: Tukano Tetra

• Size: 1cm (juvenile; max ~1.5cm)

• Lifespan: 2–3 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, timid, shoaling

• Difficulty Level: Advanced (sensitive to water quality)

• Origin: Rio Uaupes, Brazil (Amazon Basin)

• Best kept in groups of 10 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

Tukano Tetras thrive in soft, acidic, and warm blackwater conditions. Stability and excellent water quality are essential.

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• pH: 4.5–6.5

• Hardness: 1–6 dGH

• Tank Size: 10–15 gallons minimum (species-only recommended)

• Water Type: Freshwater (blackwater preferred)

• Filtration: Gentle sponge filter to prevent strong currents

• Lighting: Low to moderate (dim, subdued light replicates native habitat)

Add Indian almond leaves, peat, or botanical elements to create a natural, tannin-rich setup.

🐟 Tank Mates

Due to their tiny size and shy nature, Tukano Tetras should only be kept with safe, non-aggressive micro species—or ideally in a species-only tank.

Suitable tank mates (with extreme caution):

• Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae)

• Strawberry Rasboras (Boraras naevus)

• Ember Tetras (small, peaceful individuals)

• Dwarf shrimp (Amano, Neocaridina—if fully grown)

• Snails

Avoid entirely:

• Larger or fast-moving fish

• Fin-nippers

• Fish that may mistake them for food

Always maintain dense plant cover and calm waters to reduce stress and mimic their natural habitat.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Tukano Tetras are micro-predators that feed on tiny invertebrates in the wild.

Recommended diet:

• Live baby brine shrimp

• Microworms

• Vinegar eels

• Crushed frozen cyclops or daphnia

• Powdered nano pellets or fine flake food

Feed small portions 1–2 times daily, ensuring food reaches these timid bottom-mid dwellers.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform small, regular water changes (10–15% weekly)

• Use a mature, stable tank—they are sensitive to new environments

• Avoid bright lighting and fast-moving fish

• Ensure constant parameters; use RO or remineralized water if needed

• Add floating plants for extra cover and to diffuse light

These fish are not suitable for beginners due to their sensitivity and tiny size, but thrive in carefully maintained, calm setups.

🌿 Why Choose the Tukano Tetra?

The Tukano Tetra is a true collector’s species—rare, beautiful, and rewarding to keep in a blackwater or aquascaped nano aquarium. With its fiery red accents and calm schooling nature, it’s perfect for aquarists who appreciate delicate biodiversity and enjoy creating naturalistic tanks.

Add one of the world’s tiniest tetras to your setup—bring home the magical Tukano Tetra today!