Amanda's Tetra

Adults of this fish reach a length of 1.5 to 2 cm. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed, making males and females almost indistinguishable. The coloration of these fish is bright, uniformly red or orange.

The origin of this fish is associated with South America, where it inhabits the Tocantins River basin and its large tributary, the Araguaia, located in the central regions of Brazil (Tocantins, Mato Grosso, and Pará states). Its natural habitat includes small tributaries, shallow streams, as well as rivers and oxbow lakes. The water in these places is usually soft and slightly acidic, and the bottom is covered with a sandy substrate, strewn with fallen leaves and branches.

This peaceful and active fish feels more comfortable in a shoal of 8 to 10 individuals; with fewer, it may become overly timid. It coexists perfectly with other non-aggressive species of similar size. In nature, Amanda's Tetras are often found alongside Apistogrammas, making the latter quite suitable aquarium companions.

An aquarium of 40 liters or more is suitable for keeping these fish. The setup should include many aquatic plants, including floating ones, as well as a dark substrate, against which the fish will appear most striking. Additionally, a layer of fallen leaves from certain trees can be used; their decomposition will not only help create a water chemistry close to natural conditions but also provide an additional food source for fry, as paramecia can develop among the leaves. Caring for Amanda's Tetra is not very difficult and is limited to standard procedures: weekly partial water changes with fresh water, removal of organic waste (food remnants, excrement), and equipment maintenance. Strong filtration should be avoided, as excessive current can negatively affect the fish; often, a simple air-driven sponge filter is sufficient.

Amanda's Tetras are not particular about their diet: they readily accept most common foods, provided they are of suitable size. The daily diet can consist of dry flakes or granules, supplemented with live or frozen crustaceans, such as brine shrimp or daphnia.

Breeding these fish is not difficult, but raising the fry can be challenging, as the parents do not care for their offspring and may eat them. Furthermore, the newly hatched fry are very small and require microscopic food, such as infusoria. During the spawning period, females scatter their eggs among plants, which are then fertilized by several males. If you plan to breed, the eggs should be carefully moved to a separate tank filled with water from the main aquarium. This tank should be equipped with an air-driven filter and a heater, and special lighting is not required—sufficient light penetrating from outside is enough.

Specific diseases that affect only this particular fish species have not been identified. When kept in suitable conditions, including high water quality, a balanced diet, and peaceful tank mates, health issues usually do not arise. The most common cause of illness is a deterioration of living conditions, which weakens the immune system and makes the fish susceptible to infections that are always present in their environment. Upon noticing initial signs of sickness (such as lethargy, emaciation, refusal to eat, or clamped fins), it is crucial to immediately check the basic water parameters. Often, restoring acceptable living conditions will lead to self-recovery, but if the fish is too weak or has suffered visible damage, medicinal treatment may be required. For more details on symptoms and treatment methods, consult the section “Diseases of Aquarium Fish.”

When choosing Amanda's Tetras, prefer individuals with bright, rich coloration, as paleness often indicates severe stress or unsatisfactory living conditions. It is important to carefully inspect the fish for external signs of disease: intact fins, absence of white spots, ulcers, or unnatural film on the body. Healthy fish should be active and stay in a shoal, not hiding in a corner or near the water surface.

• avoid purchasing individuals that appear emaciated or have visible body deformities
• try to acquire a group of fish from the same aquarium to minimize stress during adaptation
• check that the fish actively react to movement near the glass, as sluggish behavior can be a sign of hidden health problems