Rachow's Tetra

Jobertina rachovi is a rarely imported South American characid that inhabits clear and blackwater streams of the Atlantic coastal drainage in Brazil. Its body is a polished silver with subtle warm tints, and the fins carry the faintest red-orange edging that becomes more visible in well-conditioned water. This is not a flashy species, but its clean, streamlined elegance is appreciated by biotope purists.

This tetra is peaceful and undemanding once its preference for soft, slightly acidic water is met. It schools actively and benefits from groups of eight or more in a well-planted aquarium with open swimming lanes and dark substrate to bring out its understated colouration.

Feeding with quality flake, micro-pellets, and regular frozen or live invertebrates maintains optimal health. This is a good choice for the intermediate aquarist who appreciates natural beauty over bright colouration.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to medium (GH 2–12, KH 1–6). Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with open swimming space; dark substrate helps colour. Feeding: Quality flake, micro-pellets, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworm, and daphnia. Breeding: Egg-scatterer in fine-leaved plants; condition with live foods before spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful with all similarly sized community fish; good with corydoras and small cichlids.