Colombian Tetra Identification Guide
Recognize the Colombian tetra by its large size, pink-red iridescent body, and black-and-white edged fins.
Read the full Colombian Tetra encyclopedia entry →
Key identification features
- One of the larger common tetras, reaching about 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm)
- Body shows a bright pink to salmon-red iridescent sheen, especially on the rear half
- Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins edged in black with a contrasting white outer margin
- Deep, elongated body shape compared to smaller tetra species
- Silvery-white shoulder area fading into the reddish rear coloration
- Robust, muscular build that stands out clearly within mixed schools of smaller tetras
Common look-alikes
- Bleeding heart tetra: similar pink-red tone but marked with a distinct round red flank spot rather than black-and-white fin edging.
- Buenos Aires tetra: comparable size and orange-red fins but shows a black caudal-base spot instead of black-and-white edged fin margins.
- Serpae tetra: smaller and solidly red with a rounded black shoulder blotch, lacking the Colombian tetra's fin edging pattern.
Where you'll see one
Native to the Acandí River drainage and nearby coastal streams of northwestern Colombia, inhabiting clear to slightly tannin-stained forest waters.
Frequently asked questions
What size clue helps confirm a Colombian tetra?
It grows notably larger than most common tetras, often approaching 3 inches, with a deep, elongated body.
How do I tell it apart from a bleeding heart tetra?
Colombian tetras show black-and-white edged fins, while bleeding heart tetras have a distinct round red spot on the flank instead.