Species profile
Red Base Tetra
Hemigrammus stictus
Peaceful
Moderate care
70 L minimum aquarium
4–5 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Prefer soft, mildly acidic water and subdued cover rather than generic hard-water community parameters.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
5.5–7
GH
1–8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.5
Peaceful shoaling characin. Best displayed in a good-sized group with subdued planting/wood and calm companions.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
4–6 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hemigrammus stictus
Alternative names
Red Base Tetra, Hemigrammus stictus
Native range
Amazon and Orinoco drainages and parts of the Guianas.
Natural habitat
Soft acidic tributaries, forest margins and blackwater-influenced habitats with leaf litter and woody cover.
Diet & feeding
Small invertebrates and fine particulate foods; use varied micro-pellets/flakes plus frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are typically deeper and fuller-bodied; males remain slimmer.
Breeding
Egg-scattering tetra with no parental care; a separate dim spawning tank helps prevent egg predation.