Rosy Tetra - Megalamphodus rosaceus

Rosy Tetra (Megalamphodus rosaceus)

The Rosy Tetra is a peaceful and elegant South American shoaling fish, loved for its soft pink to rose-coloured body, translucent fins and graceful swimming behaviour. Mature males often develop brighter colour and longer dorsal and anal fins, while females are usually fuller-bodied. Also widely sold as Hyphessobrycon rosaceus, this species makes a beautiful addition to mature planted community aquariums, especially when kept in a proper group with subdued lighting, dark décor and calm tank mates.

Common Name:
Rosy Tetra. Also commonly referred to as the White-Fin Rosy Tetra, Rosy Fin Tetra, Rose Tetra or Rosy Characin.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Megalamphodus rosaceus
Also widely referenced in aquarium literature and the trade as Hyphessobrycon rosaceus.

Maximum Size:
Around 4–5 cm in captivity, with FishBase listing up to 3.4 cm standard length.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to northern South America, especially the Essequibo, Corantijn and Suriname River basins. In the wild, Rosy Tetras are associated with slow-moving tributaries and heavily vegetated areas, often close to submerged roots, plant cover and tannin-stained soft acidic water.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, with soft, slightly acidic water preferred

Temperament:
Peaceful and social. Rosy Tetras are best kept with other calm community fish and should not be housed with large, aggressive or very boisterous species that may stress them or outcompete them at feeding time.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. In the aquarium it should be offered quality fine flake, micro pellets, small granules and a variety of frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp, bloodworm and mosquito larvae. A varied diet will help maintain colour, condition and natural behaviour.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 60 litres for a small group, with a 75–90 cm aquarium or larger preferred for a more natural shoal and better display behaviour.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active mid-water shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of at least 6, ideally 10 or more. Males may display to each other with raised fins and short harmless stand-offs, especially when in good condition. Rosy Tetras look especially attractive in planted aquariums with darker substrate, driftwood, floating plants, open swimming space and gentle to moderate flow.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is well suited to peaceful planted community aquariums. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, Corydoras, Otocinclus, small plecos, hatchetfish and peaceful dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma or Mikrogeophagus. Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin nippers and overly boisterous fish that may intimidate the group.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable aquarium with clean water, plant cover and subdued areas. Although adaptable, Rosy Tetras show their best colour and behaviour in soft, slightly acidic water with darker décor and floating plants to diffuse bright lighting. They are very similar to the Ornate Tetra, so colour, fin markings and supplier identification can vary in the trade.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common / occasional in trade, usually as captive-bred stock

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.