Phoenix tetra

Hemigrammus filamentosus

Males combine red tail bases with white-tipped fin filaments

A fine lateral stripe darkens towards the rear of the silver-grey body. Males show red near the bases of the tail lobes and elongated pale-tipped dorsal, anal and pelvic fin rays.

Adult length: Up to 4 cm
Water temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5

Natural habitat: Native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil.

Males and females look different. Avoid fin-nipping companions; small shrimp may be eaten.

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Appearance and identification

The rear lateral marking extends towards the central tail rather than forming a separate round tail-base spot. Females lack the conspicuous male red tail and elongated fins. Compare the filaments and lateral marking together when distinguishing it from the slender, translucent glass bloodfin; a red tail alone is not enough.