The Candy Cane Tetra is a freshwater fish part of the Characidae family. This tropical fish hails from South America and can be found in the Amazon Basin in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. The Candy Cane Tetra gets its name from its colorful body, which features stripes reminiscent of a candy cane.
The Candy Cane Tetra is a popular fish because of its pretty appearance and its peaceful nature.
As peaceful fish, Candy Cane Tetras adapt well to community tanks. They are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
This complete care guide will cover everything you need about Candy Cane Tetras, including their diet, tank requirements, and ideal tank mates.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Species Summary
- Candy Cane Tetra Breeding
- Candy Care Guide Care
- Candy Cane Tetra Tank Size
- Candy Cane Tetra Water Parameters
- Candy Cane Tetra Filtration
- Candy Cane Tetra Heating
- Candy Cane Tetra Plants
- Candy Cane Tetra Lighting
- Candy Cane Tetra Fertilizers
- Co2 Systems
- Water Conditioners
- Substrate
- Decorations
- Other Tank Accessories
- Water Changes
- Cleaning The Tank
- Cleaning The Filter
- Testing The Water
- Candy Cane Tetra Common Possible Diseases
- Signs That Your Candy Cane Tetra Is Sick
- Candy Cane Tetra Preventing Diseases
- Candy Cane Tetra Treatment And Medications Of Diseases
- How To Choose A Healthy Candy Cane Tetra
- Candy Cane Tetra Food & Diet
- Advantages Of Having Candy Cane Tetra In Your Tank
- Disadvantages Of Having Candy Cane Tetra In Your Tank
- Wrapping Up
Species Summary
Scientific name: | Hyphessobrycon bentosi |
Common name: | Candy Cane Tetra, candy stripe tetra |
Family: | Characidae |
Color: | Transparent salmon body with dark red fins; dorsal and pelvic fins white-tipped |
Origin: | South America |
Size: | 2 to 3 inches |
Life Expectancy: | 3 to 5 years |
Habitat: | They can be found in slow-moving waters with lots of vegetation in their natural habitat. |
Behavior: | They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are relatively active fish. |
Minimum tank size: | 15 gallons |
Temperature range: | 73°-82°Fahrenheit |
pH range: | 6.6-7.8 |
Hardness range: | 3-12 dGH |
Temperament: | Peaceful |
Compatibility: | Peaceful, shoaling species |
Water type: | Freshwater |
Activity Level: | Active |
Sociability: | Social |
Tankmates: | Compatible with other peaceful fish |
Gender Differences: | Males are usually more brightly colored than females |
Care level: | Easy-Moderate |
Ease of breeding: | Intermediate |
Breeding Method: | Egg scatterer |
Diet: | The omnivore diet should consist of flakes, pellets, live food, and frozen food |
Feeding frequency: | 1-2 times per day |
The tributaries and lakes, home to the Candy Cane Tetra, are murky and filled with dense vegetation. The water is also slow-moving.
They were discovered in South America in the Amazon Basin in 1908. The scientific name of the Candy Cane Tetra is Hyphessobrycon bentosi. They are also known as the candy stripe tetra or the red-fins tetra. They belong to the Characidae family, which contains much well-known fish, including the neon tetra.
They enjoy the shade and can often be found near the bottom of the tank. They are peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. They are relatively active fish and will often swim in the middle or top levels of the tank.
The Candy Cane Tetra is a hardy fish that is easy to care for. They are a good choice for beginner aquarists. The Candy Cane Tetra is an omnivore; their diet should consist of flakes, pellets, live food, and frozen food.
Other names include Bentos tetra, ornate tetra, white tip tetra, white fin bentosi tetra, white fin ornate tetra, and HY511.
Schools of 50 and more Candy Cane Tetras in their natural habitat can be found in the Amazon Basin. These schools often swim near the bottom of the river in areas with dense vegetation and little water movement.
The cost of Candy Cane Tetras can vary depending on the size and color of the fish. The average price for a single fish is $3. But, if you want to buy them in a group of 6, the price can drop to $12.
Because Candy Cane Tetras are a popular tropical fish, they are widely available. They can be found in most pet stores that sell fish. They are also available online from a variety of retailers.
Candy Cane Tetra Appearance
The Candy Cane Tetra has a deep body, and its fins are large in proportion to its body size. The most distinguishing feature of the Candy Cane Tetra is its coloration.
The body of the Candy Cane Tetra is transparent with a salmon hue. Their fins are dark red, and the tips of the dorsal and pelvic fins are white. The eyes of the Candy Cane Tetra have a black center with a red ring around them.
They have a light gray shoulder patch surrounded by a black stripe. The black stripe extends from their head to the base of their tail. This gray patch distinguishes the Candy Cane Tetra from its rosy tetra cousin.
The bloodfin tetra has a red body with transparent fins. They have a black stripe that runs from their head to the base of their tail, but it is not as clearly defined as the one on the Candy Cane Tetra.
The males and females of the Candy Cane Tetra species look very similar. The most notable difference between the two is their coloration. Male Candy Cane Tetras are usually more brightly colored than females.
Another way to tell the difference between males and females is by looking at their fins. The males have longer and sharper fins than the females. The females also tend to be slightly larger than the males.
The Candy Cane Tetra is a beautiful fish that will add color to your aquarium.
Candy Cane Tetra Size & Growth Rate
The size of a Candy Cane Tetra can range from 2 to 3 inches. The males are usually slightly larger than the females.
The growth rate of a Candy Cane Tetra is relatively fast. They can reach their full size within 6 to 8 months.
Candy Cane Tetra Lifespan
The lifespan of a Candy Cane Tetra is 3 to 5 years. But they can live up to 6 years or more with proper care.
However, it is common for them to only live for 2 to 3 years in captivity.
Candy Cane Tetra Behavior & Temperament
Candy Cane Tetras are peaceful fish that do well in a community tank. They should be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size. They may become territorial with other species members, so keeping them in groups of six or more is best.
They are not aggressive eaters, so they should not be kept with fish that are known to be nippy. They are relatively active fish and will do best in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and open swimming space.
They feel stressed when larger, more aggressive fish are in the tank. They may also become stressed if the water quality is poor. This may cause these tetras to fin nip or hide.
Candy Cane Tetra fish are no threat to snails, shrimps, or crabs and can even be kept with them in the aquarium. They are not known to eat plants.
In the aquarium, they occupy the mid to upper levels of the tank. They sometimes swim and eat in the mid-water column but generally stay close to the surface.
Candy Cane Tetra Breeding
To breed Candy Cane Tetras, you must set up a breeding tank. The breeding tank should be at least 10 gallons in size and should have a sponge filter.
It is also essential to provide plenty of hiding places for the fish. This can be accomplished by using plants, rocks, or driftwood.
The water parameters for the breeding tank should be as follows:
- pH – 6.5-7.8
- Ammonia – 0 ppm
- Nitrites – 0 ppm
- Nitrates – 20-30 ppm
The temperature of the water should be between 78° to 82°Fahrenheit.
The male and female fish should be conditioned with live foods to induce spawning. This can be accomplished by feeding them live brine shrimp or bloodworms.
The male fish will then chase the female fish around the tank. Once the female fish is ready to spawn, she will release her eggs into the water. The male fish will then fertilize the eggs.
Removing the parents from the breeding tank after spawning has occurred is essential. This is because the parents may eat the eggs.
The eggs will hatch in 24 to 48 hours. The fry should be fed live baby brine shrimp or micro worms. They can be transitioned to flakes or pellets once they are large enough to eat.
Candy Care Guide Care
Caring for them is relatively easy. They are hardy fish tolerant of a wide range of water conditions.
The Candy Cane Tetra is an omnivore; their diet should consist of flakes, pellets, live food, and frozen food. To keep your Candy Cane Tetras healthy, providing them with a varied diet is important. They should be fed 2 to 3 times a day.
It is also essential to keep the water in their aquarium clean. They are relatively active fish, and they produce a lot of waste. A good filter is necessary to keep the water in their tank clean. The water should be replaced every two weeks.
The natural habitat for the Candy Cane Tetra is slow-moving water with dense vegetation. They prefer an aquarium that has a lot of plants and hiding places. It is also essential to provide them with plenty of swimming space.
Here we will discuss everything you need to know about setting up an aquarium for your Candy Cane Tetras.
Candy Cane Tetra Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a single Candy Cane Tetra is 15 gallons. But, if you plan on keeping them in a group, you will need a larger tank. A 30-gallon tank is a minimum size for a group of 6 Candy Cane Tetras.
The larger the tank, the better. They are active fish, and they need plenty of space to swim. A 40-gallon tank is a good size for a group of Candy Cane Tetras.
When setting up your tank, it is essential to remember that they prefer slow-moving water. A canister filter with a low flow rate is a good option for their tank.
Candy Cane Tetra Water Parameters
The Candy Cane Tetra is a tropical fish that prefers warm water. The ideal temperature range for their tank is 73° to 82°Fahrenheit. They are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, but they prefer soft to medium-hard water.
The ideal pH range for their tank is 6.6 to 7.8. They also tolerate a wide range of pH levels but prefer neutral water. The water hardness for their tank should be 3 to 12 GH.
To maintain good water quality in their tank, it is important to do a weekly water change. They are active fish, and they produce a lot of waste. A water change of 20% is sufficient to keep the water in their tank clean.
Candy Cane Tetra Filtration
As we mentioned, the Candy Cane Tetra is a tropical fish that prefers warm water. They are also relatively active fish and produce a lot of waste. A good filter is necessary to keep the water in their tank clean.
A good filter will also help keep their tank’s water parameters within the ideal range. The filter you choose should be able to handle the size of your tank.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a filter rated for double the size of your tank. So, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you should choose a filter rated for 40 gallons.
There are many different types of filters on the market, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Some recommended filters for their tank are:
- The Fluval External Filter: This filter is rated up to 65 gallons for aquariums. It has a flow rate of 265 GPH, and it comes with three media baskets.
- The Aqua Clear Power Filter: This filter is rated up to 50 gallons for aquariums. It has a flow rate of 200 GPH and comes with three media baskets.
- The Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter: This filter is rated up to 75 gallons for aquariums. It has a flow rate of 350 GPH, and it comes with four media baskets.
Candy Cane Tetra Heating
The Candy Cane Tetra is a tropical fish that prefers warm water. The ideal temperature range for their tank is 73° to 82° Fahrenheit. They are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, but they prefer warm water.
If your home is kept at a comfortable temperature for you, then it is likely that the temperature in your aquarium will be within the ideal range for your Candy Cane Tetras. But, if you live in a cold climate or your home is kept at a cool temperature, you must provide a heater for the tank.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a heater rated for 5 watts per gallon of water. So, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you should choose a heater rated at 100 watts.
There are many different types of heaters on the market, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Some recommended heaters for their tank are:
- The Tetra Aqua Art Heater: This heater is rated up to 65 gallons for aquariums. It has a wattage of 200 watts, and it comes with adjustable temperature control.
- The Marineland Precision Heater: This is rated for up to 75 gallons of aquariums. It has a wattage of 300 watts, and it comes with an LED temperature display.
- The Aqueon Submersible Aquarium Heater: This heater is rated up to 100 gallons for aquariums. It has a wattage of 300 watts, and it comes with an LED temperature display.
Candy Cane Tetra Plants
The Candy Cane Tetra is a peaceful fish that does well in a community tank. They are not known to be fin nippers but may nibble on soft-leaved plants. They prefer a planted tank with plenty of hiding places.
Some recommended plants for their tank are:
- Java Fern: This plant is easy to care for and can tolerate many water conditions. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks with fishing lines.
- Anubias: This is a slow-growing plant that is easy to care for. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks with fishing lines.
- Bolbitis: This plant is easy to care for and can tolerate many water conditions. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks with fishing lines.
- Cabomba: This plant has delicate leaves and must be in a tank with gentle fish. It can be planted on the substrate or floated at the water’s surface.
Candy Cane Tetra Lighting
The Candy Cane Tetra is a shy fish and prefers a dimly lit tank. They do not need special lighting, and a standard aquarium hood with fluorescent bulbs will be sufficient.
If you choose to use live plants in their tank, you will need to provide a light source. The plants will need a light source that is strong enough to promote photosynthesis.
Some recommended light fixtures for their tank are:
- The Marineland Double Bright LED Light Fixture: This light fixture is rated for aquariums up to 48 inches. It has bright white and blue LEDs, and it comes with an adjustable mount.
- The Fluval Sea CP2 Circulation Pump: This circulation pump is rated up to 100 gallons for aquariums. It has a flow rate of 210 GPH and comes with adjustable flow control.
- The Hydro Sponge Filter: This filter is rated for aquariums up to 75 gallons. It has a flow rate of 350 GPH, and it comes with four media baskets.
Candy Cane Tetra Fertilizers
If you choose to use live plants in their tank, you will need to provide fertilizer. The fertilizer will provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
There are a lot of different fertilizers on the market, and it can be overwhelming to try to choose the right one.
Some recommended fertilizers for their tank are:
- The Seachem Flourish Comprehensive Plant Supplement: This fertilizer is a liquid supplement that contains iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. It also contains vitamins and amino acids.
- The Tetra PlantaMin Iron Supplement: This fertilizer is a tablet that dissolves in water and provides iron for plants. It also contains other essential nutrients.
- The API Leaf Zone Plant Supplement: This fertilizer is a liquid supplement that contains iron, magnesium, and manganese. It also contains vitamins and amino acids.
Co2 Systems
If you choose to use live plants in their tank, you will need to provide a Co2 system. The Co2 system will give the plants the carbon dioxide they need to grow.
There are a lot of different Co2 systems on the market, and it can be overwhelming to try to choose the right one.
Some recommended Co2 systems for their tank are:
- The Aquarium Plant Kit: This Co2 system is a complete kit that includes a regulator, diffuser, and Co2 cylinder. It also comes with an instructional DVD.
- The Fluval Pressurized CO2 Kit: This is a complete Co2 system with a regulator, diffuser, and Co2 cylinder. It also comes with an instructional booklet.
- The AquaVista 500 Aquarium CO2 Kit: This is a complete Co2 system that includes a regulator, diffuser, and Co2 cylinder. It also comes with an instructional booklet.
Water Conditioners
It is important to use a water conditioner when setting up their tank. The water conditioner will remove chlorine and heavy metals from the water.
Some recommended water conditioners for their tank are:
- The API Stress Coat Water Conditioner: This water conditioner is a liquid that removes chlorine and heavy metals from the water. This product also contains aloe vera, which helps to soothe and protect fish.
- The Seachem Prime Water Conditioner: This water conditioner is a liquid that removes chlorine and heavy metals from the water. This product also contains vitamin C, which helps support the immune system.
- The Tetra Aqua Safe Water Conditioner: This water conditioner is a liquid that removes chlorine and heavy metals from the water. This product also contains aloe vera, which helps to soothe and protect fish.
Substrate
The substrate is the material you use to fill the bottom of the tank. The substrate will provide a place for the plants to root and can also help filter the water.
Some recommended substrates for their tank are:
- The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: This clay-based substrate is rich in iron and other nutrients. It also contains shrimp shells, which help to keep the water clean.
- The Seachem Flourite Black Clay gravel: This is a clay-based substrate rich in iron and other nutrients. This product is also dark in color, which can help to make the tank look more natural.
- The API Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate: This substrate is gravel-rich in iron and other nutrients. It also contains live bacteria, which helps to keep the water clean.
Decorations
The decorations that you use in their tank are up to you. Some people like to use live plants, while others prefer artificial plants. You can also use rocks, driftwood, and other decorations to personalize your tank.
Some recommended decorations for their tank are:
- The Aquarium Plant Kit: This decoration is a complete kit that includes live plants, rocks, and driftwood.
- The API Driftwood Aquarium Decoration: This decoration is a piece of driftwood that can be used to decorate the tank.
- The Zoo Med Natural Aquatic Turtle Dock: This decoration is a piece of driftwood that can be used to decorate the tank. It also provides a place for turtles to bask.
Other Tank Accessories
You may need a few other things to complete their tank setup.
Some recommended accessories for their tank are:
- Aquarium Thermometer: This accessory is used to monitor the temperature of the water.
- Aquarium Test Kit: This accessory is used to test water quality.
- Air Pump: This accessory is used to provide oxygen to the water.
These are just a few items to complete their tank setup. Be sure to research all the products you are considering before making your final purchase.
When setting up their tank, follow all manufacturer’s instructions. This will help ensure their tank is set up correctly, and their fish stay healthy.
Water Changes
It is essential to perform regular water changes in their tank. Water changes help to remove toxins and waste from the water. They also help to keep the water quality high.
Water changes should be performed at least once a week and more frequently if the fish produce a lot of waste.
To perform a water change, you will need the following:
- A siphon: This is used to remove water from the tank.
- A clean bucket: This is used to hold the water that is being removed from the tank.
- Fresh, treated water: This is used to replace the water removed from the tank.
The steps to perform a water change are as follows:
- Use the siphon to remove water from the tank.
- Pour the water into the clean bucket.
- Discard the water that was removed from the tank.
- Fill the tank with fresh, treated water.
- Repeat these steps at least once a week or more frequently if needed.
Cleaning The Tank
In addition to performing regular water changes, it is also important to clean the tank. This will help to remove any build-up of waste and toxins.
The frequency of tank cleanings will depend on the tank size and the number of fish. It is generally recommended to clean the tank at least once a month.
To clean the tank, you will need the following:
- A gravel vacuum will help you remove debris from the gravel.
- A sponge: This will help you to remove algae from the glass.
- A toothbrush: This will help you to remove algae from the decorations.
The steps to clean the tank are as follows:
- Vacuum the gravel to remove debris.
- Sponge the glass to remove algae.
- Brush the decorations to remove algae.
- Rinse the sponge and toothbrush in treated water before using them again.
- Repeat these steps at least once a month or more frequently if needed.
Cleaning The Filter
It is also important to clean the filter. This will help to remove any build-up of waste and toxins.
The frequency of filter cleanings will depend on the type of filter that you are using. It is generally recommended to clean the filter at least once a month.
To clean the filter, you will need the following:
- A bucket is used to hold the water you remove from the tank.
- Water conditioner: This is used to make tap water safe for fish.
- A sponge: This is used to scrub the filter media.
The steps to clean the filter are as follows:
- Remove the filter media from the filter.
- Rinse the filter media in treated water.
- Scrub the filter media with a sponge.
- Rinse the filter media in treated water again.
- Replace the filter media in the filter.
- Repeat these steps at least once a month or more frequently if needed.
Testing The Water
It is also important to test the water quality regularly. This will help you ensure the water is safe for your fish.
Water tests should be performed at least once a week and more frequently if the fish produce a lot of waste.
To test the water, you will need the following:
- Aquarium test kit: This tests the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the water.
The steps to test the water are as follows:
- Fill a test tube with water from the tank.
- Add the reagent for ammonia to the test tube.
- Compare the color of the water in the test tube to the color chart included with the kit.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for nitrites and nitrates.
- Record the results of the tests in a journal or log.
- Repeat these steps at least once a week or more frequently if needed.
Candy Cane Tetra Common Possible Diseases
Candy Cane Tetras are relatively hardy fish but can still succumb to the disease.
Some of the more common diseases that affect them include:
- Ich: This is a disease that is caused by a parasite. Symptoms include white spots on the body, increased scratching, and lethargy. Ich can be treated with medication available at your local pet store. It is important to follow the directions on the package carefully.
- Columnaris: This is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and fins. Symptoms include lesions, fraying fins, and increased scratching. Columnaris can be treated with medication available at your local pet store.
- Dropsy: This disease is caused by a build-up of toxins in the body. Symptoms include bloating, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Dropsy can be very difficult to treat and often results in death.
- Gill parasites: These are parasites that infect the gills. Symptoms include increased gasping at the surface and lethargy. Gill parasites can be treated with medication available at your local pet store. It is important to follow the directions on the package carefully.
- Skin flukes: These are parasites that infect the skin. Symptoms include increased scratching and lethargy. Skin flukes can be treated with medication available at your local pet store.
You must seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your fish.
Signs That Your Candy Cane Tetra Is Sick
There are a few signs that you can look for that will indicate that your Candy Cane Tetra is sick. These signs include:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Decreased activity level
- Increased scratching
If you notice these signs in your fish, it is crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Candy Cane Tetra Preventing Diseases
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent disease in your Candy Cane Tetras.
Some of these things include:
- Quarantine new fish: When you add new fish to your tank, it is essential to quarantine them for at least two weeks. This will give you time to watch for any signs of disease.
- Do not overfeed: Overfeeding can lead to a build-up of toxins in the water, which can stress the fish and make them more susceptible to disease.
- Perform regular water changes: Water changes help remove toxins from the water and also help to replenish essential minerals and nutrients. Water changes should be performed at least once a week.
- Use a filter: A sound filtration system will help remove toxins and debris from the water, which can lead to disease.
- Use an aquarium heater: Keeping the water at a consistent temperature will help prevent stress in the fish, making them more susceptible to disease.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your Candy Cane Tetras healthy and disease-free.
Candy Cane Tetra Treatment And Medications Of Diseases
If your fish is sick, it is crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat diseases in fish.
Some of these medications include:
- Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections.
- Anti-fungal medications: These are used to treat fungal infections.
- Anti-parasitic medications: These are used to treat parasitic infections.
It is essential to follow the directions on the package carefully when using any medication. Overdosing can be harmful to the fish.
How To Choose A Healthy Candy Cane Tetra
When choosing a Candy Cane Tetra, it is essential to select a healthy and disease-free fish.
Some things to look for include the following:
- Clear eyes
- Smooth scales
- Fins that are not frayed or damaged
- No signs of parasites, wounds, or lesions
A healthy Candy Cane Tetra should be active, alert, and have a good appetite. If you are unsure whether or not a fish is healthy, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose another fish.
Candy Cane Tetra Food & Diet
In the Amazon basin wild, the Candy Cane Tetra diet consists mainly of small insects, crustaceans, and worms. In captivity, they will accept a variety of foods.
These include:
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Tubifex Worms
They should be offered high-quality flake or pellet food as well. Be sure to feed them various foods to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need.
Candy Cane Tetra Diet Foods To Avoid
You should avoid feeding your Candy Cane Tetras a few types of food.
These include:
- Nylon worms: These can damage the intestines if not chewed properly.
- Tadpoles: These can carry diseases that can be harmful to your fish.
- Mealworms: These can be hard to digest and may cause intestinal blockages.
- Freeze-dried foods: These can expand in the stomach and cause problems.
- Raw meat: This can contain bacteria that can harm your fish.
It is best to avoid feeding your Candy Cane Tetras these types of foods.
The Importance Of A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential for several reasons. It can help to prevent disease, and it can also help the fish to grow and develop properly. A healthy diet should be varied and include both live and frozen foods.
Candy Cane Tetra Feeding Schedule
Candy Cane Tetras should be fed two or three times a day. They should be given as much food as possible in a few minutes. Any uneaten food should be removed, as it can quickly foul the water.
Also, check the expiration date on frozen foods before feeding them to your fish. Frozen foods that are past their expiration date can contain harmful bacteria.
Candy Cane Tetra Tank Mates
The best way to keep these fish is a school of at least six Candy Cane Tetra. They are relatively peaceful fish, but they may become territorial with other members of their species. If keeping more than one school in the same tank, provide plenty of hiding places and open swimming space.
When choosing tank mates for them, it is important to choose fish similar in size and temperament. The best tank mates for Candy Cane Tetra are the fish closely related to them:
- Rosy tetra
- Black widow tetra
- Bleeding heart tetra
- White skirt tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Red phantom tetra
- Serpae tetra
- And other peaceful tetras
Other fish that can share an aquarium with a school of Candy Cane Tetras are:
- Harlequin rasboras
- Barbs
- Discus
- Anabantids
- Corydoras
- Smaller gouramis
- Small catfish
- Danios
- Guppies
- Dwarf cichlids
- Small loricariids
- Loaches
- Pencilfish
- Platies
Non-fish aquarium species that can be housed with Candy Cane Tetras include:
Fish To Avoid
Nasty, aggressive fish that Candy Cane Tetras are better off avoiding include:
Predatory fish such as:
- Red-tailed black shark
- Tiger barb
- Common pleco
Scaleless fish such as:
Candy Cane Tetras are not known to eat plants but will nibble on soft, delicate plants.
Advantages Of Having Candy Cane Tetra In Your Tank
The first advantage is that they are very peaceful fish. This means they will not bother other fish in the tank and can be kept with smaller fish.
Another advantage is that they are straightforward to care for. They do not need special conditions to thrive and can tolerate various water parameters.
Lastly, these fish are very hardy. They are not susceptible to disease and can even tolerate poor water conditions. This makes them ideal for beginner fish keepers.
Disadvantages Of Having Candy Cane Tetra In Your Tank
The only real disadvantage of having Candy Cane Tetras is that they can be challenging to find. They are not widely available in pet stores and may have to be ordered online.
Wrapping Up
Overall, Candy Cane Tetras are great for beginner and experienced fish keepers. They are peaceful, easy to care for, and hardy. They are also a great addition to any community tank.
If you are looking for a slightly different Tetra, then the Candy Cane Tetra is a great choice.
I hope this guide has helped you learn everything you need about Candy Cane Tetras. Thanks for reading!