Top 10 Tetras for Planted Aquariums

Tetras are the heartbeat of any planted aquarium. Their jewel-like colours pop against lush greenery, they're peaceful enough to coexist with most tank mates, and they thrive in the soft, slightly acidic water that planted tanks naturally produce. Whether you're setting up your first aquascape or adding a new shoal to an established display, here are our top 10 tetras — all available now at Chloe's Aquatic Centre.

1. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

The iconic neon tetra needs little introduction. That electric blue stripe running the length of the body, paired with a vivid red tail, makes this one of the most recognisable freshwater fish in the hobby. Neons are happiest in groups of 10 or more and look absolutely stunning weaving through fine-leaved plants like Rotala or Hemianthus. A true beginner-friendly species that never goes out of style.

• Tank Size: 60L+
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5–7.0 | 22–26°C | Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner

2. Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Often confused with the neon, the cardinal tetra is its more vivid cousin — the red stripe extends the full length of the belly rather than just the rear half. Cardinals prefer warmer, softer water and are a staple of Amazonian-style biotope aquascapes. They're one of the most breathtaking fish you can keep, especially in a heavily planted blackwater setup.

• Tank Size: 60L+
• Water Parameters: pH 4.5–6.5 | 24–28°C | Soft
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate

3. Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)

Few fish school as tightly as the rummynose tetra, making them a favourite among aquascapers. Their distinctive red nose and black-and-white chequered tail create a striking contrast against green plants. Rummynoses are also excellent water quality indicators — if their red colouring fades, it's time to check your parameters.

• Tank Size: 80L+
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5–7.0 | 24–28°C | Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Peaceful, tight shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate

4. Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Don't let their tiny size fool you — ember tetras are one of the most visually impactful fish you can add to a nano planted tank. Their warm orange-red colouration glows like embers against a backdrop of green aquatic plants. They're incredibly peaceful, stay small (under 2cm), and are perfectly suited to low-tech planted setups.

• Tank Size: 30L+
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5–7.0 | 23–28°C | Soft
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner

5. Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

The black neon tetra offers a more understated elegance than its neon cousin. A pale iridescent stripe sits above a deep black band, giving this fish a sleek, sophisticated look that complements both bright and dark-themed aquascapes. They're hardy, adaptable, and a great choice for community planted tanks.

• Tank Size: 60L+
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5–7.5 | 22–27°C | Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner

6. Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

The black phantom tetra is a mid-sized, characterful species with striking dark markings and impressive finnage — males in particular develop long, flowing black fins that look spectacular in a planted display. They're peaceful with most tank mates and add a bold, dramatic element to any aquascape.

• Tank Size: 60L+
• Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5 | 22–28°C | Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Peaceful (mild fin-nipping possible with long-finned species)
• Skill Level: Beginner

7. Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)

Named for the warm orange-red stripe that runs from nose to tail, the glowlight tetra truly lives up to its name under aquarium lighting. They're a peaceful, undemanding species that thrives in planted tanks and pairs beautifully with red-stemmed plants like Alternanthera reineckii or Ludwigia.

• Tank Size: 60L+
• Water Parameters: pH 5.8–7.5 | 22–28°C | Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner

8. Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis)

The lemon tetra is an underrated gem. Their translucent yellow body with vivid yellow-and-black dorsal and anal fins creates a subtle but beautiful effect in a planted aquarium. They're active, peaceful, and look their best in groups of 8 or more against a lush green backdrop.

• Tank Size: 60L+
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5–7.5 | 23–27°C | Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner

9. Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)

The green neon tetra is the smallest of the Paracheirodon trio and arguably the most delicate-looking. Their blue-green iridescent stripe is longer than the neon's but lacks the bold red — giving them an ethereal, almost glowing quality in a planted tank. Best kept in soft, warm water with plenty of plant cover.

• Tank Size: 40L+
• Water Parameters: pH 4.5–6.5 | 24–28°C | Soft
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Intermediate

10. Yellow Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus)

Rounding out our list is the yellow phantom tetra — a warm, golden-bodied species with a distinctive dark shoulder spot and a subtle iridescent sheen. They're a peaceful, mid-water schooling fish that adds a splash of warm colour to complement the cooler blues and greens of a planted aquascape. A fantastic and often overlooked choice.

• Tank Size: 60L+
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5–7.5 | 22–28°C | Soft to moderately hard
• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
• Skill Level: Beginner

Tips for Keeping Tetras in Planted Tanks

• Always shoal: Most tetras are schooling fish — aim for a minimum of 6, ideally 10+, for natural behaviour and reduced stress.
• Soft, slightly acidic water: Most tetras originate from South American rivers with soft, tannin-rich water. Planted tanks naturally lower pH, making them ideal.
• Avoid fin-nippers: Some tetras (like serpae) can nip long-finned tank mates. The species on this list are all well-behaved community fish.
• Dim lighting or floating plants: Many tetras prefer subdued lighting. Adding floating plants or using a dimmer helps bring out their natural colours.
• Feed variety: Supplement quality micro pellets or flakes with frozen or live foods like daphnia and baby brine shrimp for best colouration.

All 10 species featured in this post are available now at Chloe's Aquatic Centre. Shop our full range of tetras online and enjoy our live arrival guarantee on all fish orders.