Ruby Tetra – Axelrodia riesei
The Ruby Tetra (Axelrodia riesei) is a small, peaceful nano freshwater fish known for its rich red coloration, tiny size, and calm schooling behavior. This eye-catching species is a beautiful choice for planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and peaceful community setups.
Ruby Tetras are especially stunning in aquascapes with live plants, moss, driftwood, darker backgrounds, and gentle lighting. When kept in groups, their bright red color creates a bold but natural display without overwhelming the aquarium.
Key Features
- Vibrant red nano tetra
- Peaceful freshwater schooling fish
- Excellent for planted aquariums and aquascapes
- Great for nano tanks and small community setups
- Compatible with shrimp when proper cover is provided
- Best kept in groups of 6–10 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Axelrodia riesei
- Common Name: Ruby Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.5–0.75 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 5–10 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 5.5–7.0
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Ruby Tetras?
Ruby Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want intense red coloration in a very small schooling fish. Their compact size makes them ideal for nano aquariums, while their peaceful nature allows them to work well with other calm freshwater species.
A group of Ruby Tetras creates a colorful, active display in planted tanks. Their red coloration stands out beautifully against green plants, moss, botanicals, and natural aquarium decor.
Ideal Tank Setup
Ruby Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with live plants, gentle filtration, and peaceful tankmates. Moss, floating plants, driftwood, botanicals, and darker backgrounds can help them feel secure while enhancing their color.
Because of their small size, Ruby Tetras should not be kept with large or aggressive fish. They are best added to established aquariums with clean, stable water and appropriately sized tankmates.
Compatible Tankmates
- Ember Tetras
- Green Neon Tetras
- Small rasboras
- Phoenix Rasboras
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Small peaceful snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Large angelfish that may eat tiny fish
- Fin-nipping species
- Fast, boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food
Diet & Feeding
Ruby Tetras have tiny mouths and should be offered very small foods. Feed micro pellets, powdered flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and small live foods when available.
A varied diet helps support strong red coloration, healthy activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6–10 or more
- Use a stable, established aquarium
- Provide plants, moss, and cover for security
- Maintain clean, stable water conditions
- Avoid large or aggressive tankmates
- Feed tiny foods suited for nano fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ruby Tetras good for nano tanks?
Yes. Ruby Tetras are excellent nano fish because of their small size, peaceful nature, and bright red coloration.
How many Ruby Tetras should be kept together?
Keep Ruby Tetras in groups of at least 6–10 or more for best confidence, schooling behavior, and reduced stress.
Can Ruby Tetras live with shrimp?
Yes. Ruby Tetras can work well in planted shrimp tanks with adult shrimp and plenty of moss or plant cover. Very tiny baby shrimp may still be eaten by many fish.
Are Ruby Tetras beginner-friendly?
They can be beginner-friendly in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with clean water, gentle tankmates, and small foods.
How big do Ruby Tetras get?
Ruby Tetras typically stay small, reaching approximately 0.75–1 inch as adults.
What do Ruby Tetras eat?
They eat micro pellets, powdered flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other tiny foods.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Ruby Tetras are bright nano schooling fish for planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and peaceful freshwater community setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, nano fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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