Beacon Tetra Overview

The Beacon Tetra, also known as the Head-and-Tail Light Tetra, is a peaceful and striking freshwater fish. Its name comes from the glowing red and gold spots near its head and tail, resembling tiny lanterns, making it a vibrant addition to community aquariums.

General Care

Beacon Tetras thrive in a well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting and a dark substrate to enhance their colors. They enjoy a calm environment with plenty of hiding spots such as plants, driftwood, and rocks. These tetras are schooling fish, so they should be kept in groups of at least six to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors. They are relatively hardy but require clean, well-maintained water. Regular water changes of 20-30% weekly and a gentle filtration system are key to their health and longevity.

Food

Beacon Tetras are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. They thrive on high-quality flakes or small pellets as their staple food, supplemented with live or frozen options like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Blanched vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, can also be offered occasionally. Feed them small amounts daily, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes to avoid leftovers polluting the tank.

Additional Information

Beacon Tetras are peaceful and do well in a community tank with other small, non-aggressive species such as other tetras, rasboras, or small catfish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or overly boisterous fish. Their active and social nature, combined with their glowing spots, make them a delightful addition to any aquarium designed with their needs in mind.