Jelly Bean Tetra (Ladigesia roloffi)

Family: Alestidae

Jelly Bean Tetra — a Alestidae from West Africa, peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Reaches 2.3–3.4 cm; shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–7
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
2.3–3.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks
Origin
West Africa

Species overview

Ladigesia roloffi is a Alestidae from West Africa. In the wild it prefers warm freshwater streams and lakes; in the aquarium it stays peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Plan on 2.3–3.4 cm of adult fish at 22–26 °C. In a community tank it pairs well with Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras.

Native biotope

Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm
Diet
Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour
Recommended tankmates
  • Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass
Avoid keeping with
  • Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops

Frequently asked questions

Is Jelly Bean Tetra easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Jelly Bean Tetra need?

Aim for 22–26 °C. Stable temperature matching the species origin; 22–26 °C recorded range.

How big does Jelly Bean Tetra get, and what tank size?

Expect 2.3–3.4 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Jelly Bean Tetra eat?

Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Jelly Bean Tetra live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks — pair it with Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass and skip Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra.

Where does Jelly Bean Tetra come from?

Its home waters are West Africa — warm freshwater streams and lakes, with still to gentle current.

Does Jelly Bean Tetra jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Jelly Bean Tetra breed?

Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops. Subtle external differences.