TheInpaichthys parauapiranga, also known as the fire tetra or Rio Para tetra, is a South American schooling fish much appreciated for its bright red colour and small size. Endemic to the Pará region of Brazil, it's an excellent choice for peaceful community aquariums or well-planted nano-tanks.

Behaviour & maintenance

This fish is :

• Lively but peaceful, kept in schools of at least 6 individuals (ideally 10+)
• Undemanding but sensitive to sudden changes
• Active in open water, it is more at ease in a densely planted aquarium with subdued lighting.

Diet

Omnivorous micropredator:

• Microgranules, fine flakes, powders for nanofish
• Live or frozen prey: daphnia, cyclops, artemia, microvers...

Water quality

• Temperature: 22 - 28°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.2
• GH: 1 - 8 °dGH
• KH: 0 - 4 °KH
• Conductivity: 50 - 200 µS

This species appreciates soft, slightly acidic and stable water. A supply of natural tannins (catappa leaves, alder fruit) is beneficial for its well-being.

Decor & environment

An aqua-scape planted with plant hiding places is ideal. Combine a dark substrate with a few roots, mosses and fine-leaved plants (such as Ceratophyllum, Hydrocotyle, Ludwigia) to bring out its bright colour.

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

The larger the shoal, the more natural their behaviour and the more vibrant their colours. The use of subdued lighting (floats, tan filter) accentuates their fiery red hue.