Darter Tetra
Darter Tetra
Darter Tetra (Characidium sp.) belongs to the Crenuchidae family — the South American darters — rather than true Characidae. Like all Characidium, it adopts a distinctive dart-like swimming style and spends time resting motionless on the substrate, dashing forward in quick bursts. Territorial males form small harems like mini-cichlids.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to fast-flowing, clear streams in South America — exact species often unconfirmed in the trade. Soft to moderately soft water with some current preferred.
Keep as one male with multiple females. More territorial than schooling. Compatible with small, non-competitive tankmates.
A specialist fish for aquarists who appreciate unusual behavior — the dart-and-rest behavior and mini-cichlid temperament make this genuinely fascinating.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Males territorial — not a schooling fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male + 2–3 females |
| Ideal Temp | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–10 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | South American clear streams (exact species unconfirmed) |
| Notes | Family Crenuchidae — not Characidae. Dart-and-rest behavior. Territorial like mini-cichlid. Not a schooling tetra. |
