Blueberry Tetra

About

The blueberry tetra (Hyphessobrycon wadai) is a relatively recent addition to the freshwater hobby, and its coloration is what draws people in immediately. Adults develop a purple-blue body paired with warm reddish-orange fins. A combination that becomes more pronounced as the fish matures. Juveniles sold in the trade tend to look fairly plain at first, so patience pays off here. Males generally show more intense color than females, which is typical for the genus. These are small fish, reaching around an inch and a half at full size, which makes them well suited to modest-sized planted setups. The foliage backdrop does a lot to show off their color once they settle in. Like most tetras, blueberry tetras are shoaling fish that do best in groups of five or more. A lone specimen or a pair will often stay washed out and skittish, while a proper group becomes active and confident in the midwater column. Their care requirements are forgiving enough that newer fishkeepers should find them manageable, provided the tank is established and water quality is stable. If you pick these up as juveniles, give them a few months. The payoff in color is worth the wait.