Sailfin tetra

Males spread red-and-yellow sails with a patterned anal fin

Mature males have enlarged dorsal and anal fins with coloured ornamentation. The body is brownish with a dark mark at the tail base. Females have smaller fins, and even males do not display continuously.

Adult length

Up to 7 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)

Water temperature

20–28 °C

pH

4–6.5

Hardness

1–5 dGH

Natural habitat

Occurs in rivers and streams.

Not a conventional tightly schooling tetra. Males occupy caves and defend territories. Very small fish can be eaten; provide retreats and quiet access to food. After spawning, the male alone guards the eggs and brood and drives the female out of the cave.