dawn tetra (Aphyocharax nattereri)

Family: Characidae

dawn tetra — a Characidae freshwater fish. Reaches 2.3–3.4 cm; keep at 22–27 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–27 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH hardness
10–20 dGH
Adult length
2.3–3.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory

Species overview

Aphyocharax nattereri is a Characidae. In the aquarium it stays mostly peaceful. Plan on 2.3–3.4 cm of adult fish at 22–27 °C. Related profiles: Aphyocharax anisitsi, Aphyocharax erythrurus, Aphyocharax rathbuni.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more
Diet
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer among fine plants

Frequently asked questions

Is dawn tetra easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does dawn tetra need?

Set the heater to 22–27 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.5–7.5, GH 10–20 dGH suit it.

How big does dawn tetra get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2.3–3.4 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does dawn tetra eat?

Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can dawn tetra live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does dawn tetra come from?

Its habitat is blackwater streams and flooded forest — still to gentle current, moderate.

Does dawn tetra jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does dawn tetra breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.