Lipstick Tetra
Lipstick Tetra
Lipstick Tetra (Moenkhausia cosmops) is named for the vivid red coloration around the mouth — a lipstick-like marking that gives a distinctive facial appearance. A Moenkhausia tetra with an unusually colored mouth region.
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 the Amazon basin — Moenkhausia is a large and diverse genus. Soft slightly acidic water preferred.
Keep in groups of at least 8. The red mouth marking is most vivid in well-conditioned fish. Peaceful community tetra.
A distinctively named tetra with an unusual facial color marking.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — schooling community |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 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 | Amazon basin, South America |
| Notes | Moenkhausia cosmops. Vivid red around mouth — lipstick coloring. |
