Nematobrycon lacortei Rainbow tetra
New Wild caught origin
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IMPORTANT
Keeping fish in an aquarium requires an ethical and responsible approach that prioritizes animal welfare. Purchasing fish for an aquarium should never be an impulsive decision. It is essential to understand the specific needs of each species, including water quality, aquarium size, behavior, and diet. Only fish with similar water quality requirements should be kept together in the same aquarium.
A Little More Information...
The Rainbow tetra, known scientifically as Nematobrycon lacortei, is a small Colombian characid valued for its metallic colors and peaceful behavior. Its slender body shows copper, blue, and green tones that become especially attractive under subdued lighting. As a schooling fish, it does best in a planted aquarium with soft, stable, slightly acidic water. This species is less common in the trade than the emperor tetra, making it an appealing choice for aquarists looking for a less ordinary South American schooling fish. Specimens offered in the aquarium trade are wild collected.
General species description
Nematobrycon lacortei is a small schooling fish belonging to the family Characidae. It is associated with calm or moderately flowing sections of small forest streams. In aquaria, it is generally peaceful, active, and social; a group of at least six individuals encourages natural behavior and reduces shyness. Adult males may perform brief displays toward one another, but these interactions are not normally dangerous. The species suits a peaceful community aquarium when its tankmates are similarly sized and calm. Its availability in the trade is moderate, and it remains less widespread than several other tetras.
Geographic origin and biotope
Country of reference: Colombia. The species is associated with the río Calima basin in Valle del Cauca, western Colombia. Its natural habitat consists of small streams and stream margins in tropical forest, usually under considerable shade. The water is soft, low in dissolved minerals, and often slightly acidic, with leaf litter and organic matter influencing its appearance. To recreate this setting, use plants, roots, subdued lighting, and gentle circulation. Efficient filtration remains important because this tetra does not tolerate accumulating waste or sudden changes in water conditions.
Precise locality and local name
The known distribution of Nematobrycon lacortei is centered on the río Calima basin in western Colombia, within Valle del Cauca. The name most commonly used in the aquarium trade is Rainbow tetra; the French name tétra arc-en-ciel is also used. This name refers to its multicolored appearance and does not indicate a relationship with Australian rainbowfish of the family Melanotaeniidae. In aquaria, stronger coloration is usually seen when the fish is kept in a group, fed well, and maintained in clean, slightly tinted water under subdued light.
Appearance and physical characteristics
The body is elongated, laterally compressed, and decorated with copper, blue, and green reflections. A dark lateral band is usually visible, while the fins may show reddish or yellowish tones. Adult males tend to be more colorful and may have more developed fins; females are often deeper-bodied, especially around the abdomen. Its small adult size makes it suitable for a planted aquarium of reasonable dimensions. Excessively bright lighting and a bare layout can reduce visible coloration and make the school more nervous.
General diet
Nematobrycon lacortei is omnivorous and readily accepts a varied diet. It takes quality flakes and micro-pellets, but condition and coloration benefit from regular offerings of small frozen or live foods, including baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. Food particles should be small enough for its mouth. Small portions once or twice daily are preferable to one large feeding. A varied diet combined with good water quality supports vitality, growth, and preparation for spawning.
Essential data
- River of origin: río Calima
- Local name used: Rainbow tetra
- Origin of the scientific name: A Greek-based genus name associated with fine fin rays; the species epithet honors La Corte.
- Full-name etymology: Nematobrycon roughly refers to a fish with fine rays; lacortei is a Latinized dedication to La Corte.
- Common or vernacular names: Rainbow tetra; tétra arc-en-ciel
- Family: Characidae
- Subfamily: Stethaprioninae
- Name pronunciation: neh-mat-oh-BRY-kon - lah-KOR-tay-eye
- Discovery: Stanley H. Weitzman and William L. Fink, 1971
- Maximum adult size: approximately 5 cm
- Water temperature and pH: 23 to 28 °C; pH 5.5 to 7.0
- Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: shaded small forest streams with dense vegetation, roots, and leaf litter
- Typical tankmates: Nematobrycon palmeri, Hyphessobrycon amandae, Paracheirodon simulans, Gastrodermus pygmaeus, Otocinclus affinis
- Temperament and behavior: peaceful, schooling, active, and generally suitable for a community aquarium
- Water depth: shallow to moderately deep areas
- Sexual dimorphism: males are usually more colorful and slender; females are deeper-bodied
- Bottom structure and flow: sandy or fine substrate with plant debris; low to moderate flow
- Wild collected species: Yes; specimens are collected from the wild.
In your aquarium
For success with this species, keep it in a group of at least six fish with soft, stable, well-filtered water. Plants, roots, and subdued lighting bring out its colors and provide security. Avoid boisterous or oversized tankmates that may intimidate it. Regular water changes, a varied diet, and gradual acclimation are the most important factors for maintaining active, colorful, healthy fish in the long term.
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