Firehead tetra

Petitella bleheri

Red head, silver body and black-and-white tail

In normally coloured adults, the red extends behind the gill cover.

Keep a long swimming lane.

Appearance and identification

Compare with the similar Petitella rhodostoma and P. georgiae; stressed fish may lose colour, so red coverage alone does not identify it.

Keep at least 10 of the same species. How tightly the group swims depends on the surroundings.

A tank at least 90 cm long.

Offer small flakes or granules and small live or frozen foods suited to its mouth.

Avoid large or strongly competitive tankmates.

A mature planted aquarium gives cover and swimming room. Maintain filtration; faded colour alone is not a health diagnosis.

Sources