Ornate tetra

Distribution:
   The Ornate Tetra, also known as the Bentos Tetra or White Tip Tetra, was described by Durbin in 1908. They are found in the creeks that branch off of the Amazon River of South America.

Status:
   These fish are not endangered.

Description:
   The Ornate Tetra, sometimes referred to as the Bentos Tetra or White Tip Tetra, is a deeper bodied fish with a body shape typical of some of the larger tetras such as the Bleeding Heart Tetra. Its coloration and appearance is very similar to its close relative, the Rosy Tetra, with the differences being quite subtle. Both of these fish have a pink to deep salmon body color, though the Ornate Tetra will often appear more transparent. Both species also have darker red markings on their fins. The Ornate Tetra will have a faint grayish 'shoulder patch' which is absent on the Rosy Tetra.
   These two tetras show subtle differences in their fin coloration. The Ornate Tetra will have white markings on their dorsal and pelvic fin extensions, thus the term 'white 'tip'. The Rosy Tetra will have a black marking or 'flag' on its dorsal fin extension, and will sometimes (but not always) have white tips to the fins. But to all rules there are exceptions, and even an occasional Ornate Tetra will have the black 'flag' type marking on its dorsal fin as well.

Size - Weight:
   This fish will generally reach about 2 inches (5 cm) in the home aquarium, though occasionally up to 3 inches (7.5 cm).

Care and feeding:
   Since they are omnivorous the Ornate Tetra should be given a nicely varied diet. They have fairly high vitamin requirements, so quality flake foods should make up about 60-80% of their diet. They love to chase after live foods and may occasionally nibble on plants or algae.
   These fish are fairly hardy and a school of six will do best in about a 20 gallon aquarium. The aquarium should be heavily planted around the sides and back and have plenty of open water for swimming in the front. A few hiding places would be appreciated. Woodwork and floating plants will make them feel comfortable.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Ornate Tetra will inhabit all areas of the aquarium, but usually will spend a good deal of their time in the upper or middle or regions.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 73 - 82° F (23 - 28° C)
   Hardness: 3-12° dH
   Ph: 6.6 - 7.2 (wild caught), 6.6 - 7.8 (tank bred)  

Social Behaviors:
   In a well thought out aquarium, no behavioral issues will occur. In the wild, the Ornate Tetras can be found in schools of 50+ individuals. Six is generally accepted as the minimum number to be housed together. This fish will happily school with its relatives (Rosy Tetra, Black Widow Tetra, White Skirt Tetra, Bleeding Heart Tetra, etc).
   Rowdy neighbors will bring out the worst in them, so keep with peaceful and non-fin nipping fish. They will be startled by loud sounds or excessive movement outside the tank, so keep in an appropriately placed tank.

Sexual Differences:
   The males will have longer fins and females will be shorter and plumper.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Breeding the Ornate Tetra is a tricky but rewarding process. The pair should be isolated, ideally in a separate tank. The pair will distribute eggs on fine leaved plans. The parents should be removed right away. The fry will be free swimming after approximately five days. The tank’s water should be changed frequently and care must be taken that no fry are lost in this process. The fry are fairly slow to reach maturity, and ought to be kept isolated until they are too large to be eaten. See a general description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish and Fish Food for Fry for more information.

Availability:
   The Ornate Tetra, also known as the Bentos Tetra or White Tip Tetra, is often upstaged by its close cousin the Rosy Tetra. Some fish stores will carry it, but often sporadically as special offers. It is also rarely available online. Cost is around $1 - $5 USD  per individual.

Author: "Yvonne"
Additional Information: Clarice Brough. CFFS.