The Red Cherry Tetra is a beautiful and uncommon freshwater tetra with a soft cherry-red glow, peaceful schooling behavior, and that classic South American tetra charm. Also known in the hobby as the Cherry Red Tetra, Red Cherry Characin, or Hyphessobrycon sp. “MZUEL 17771,” this species is a great choice for planted aquariums, blackwater-inspired setups, and peaceful community tanks.

With their shimmering bodies, red-toned coloration, and active midwater swimming, Red Cherry Tetras really shine when kept in a group. Under good lighting, clean water, and a darker aquascape background, their subtle red coloration becomes even more eye-catching.

These fish are peaceful, social, and best kept in schools. A group of 6 or more is recommended, though larger groups will display more natural behavior and look much more impressive in the aquarium.

Why We Love Red Cherry Tetras

Red Cherry Tetras are perfect for hobbyists who enjoy rare or unusual schooling fish. They bring movement without being overly aggressive, color without being too flashy, and a natural look that fits beautifully into planted tanks.

They work especially well with aquatic plants, driftwood, botanicals, leaf litter, and darker substrate. Their red tones contrast nicely against green plants and tannin-stained water, making them a great choice for aquascapers and tetra collectors alike.

Care Requirements

Red Cherry Tetras are relatively easy to care for when kept in a stable, well-maintained aquarium. Like many small tetras, they prefer clean water, peaceful tankmates, and consistent water parameters.

A planted tank with open swimming space is ideal. Adding driftwood, botanicals, or floating plants can help create a more natural environment and make the fish feel more secure.

Recommended Tank Parameters

Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon sp. “MZUEL 17771”
Common Names: Red Cherry Tetra, Cherry Red Tetra, Red Cherry Characin, Cherry Tetra
Origin: South America
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 15–20 gallons
Temperature: 72–80°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Diet: Omnivore
Swimming Level: Midwater
Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

Diet

Red Cherry Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of prepared and frozen foods. Offer a balanced diet of high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, and other small foods.

A varied diet will help support better coloration, activity, and overall health.

Tankmates

Red Cherry Tetras are peaceful and do best with other calm community fish. Great tankmates include:

Small peaceful tetras
Rasboras
Corydoras catfish
Otocinclus
Small peaceful gouramis
Dwarf cichlids
Pencilfish
Peaceful nano fish
Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp with caution

Avoid housing them with large, aggressive, or overly boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food or view them as prey.

Important Notes

Red Cherry Tetras are schooling fish and should not be kept alone. They are most comfortable and attractive in groups. For the best display, we recommend keeping them in a planted aquarium with plenty of cover and open swimming room.

Color may vary depending on age, sex, stress level, lighting, diet, and aquarium conditions. Young fish may appear more subtle at first but can develop stronger coloration as they settle in.