Peridot tetra
Jupiaba acanthogaster
Peridot tetras exhibit a striking olive-green body with distinct horizontal black stripes and vibrant, iridescent fins.
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About the Peridot tetra
A small South American characin that flashes a subtle green-gold sheen, which is where the peridot name comes from. In the wild it often forages in groups and will opportunistically follow larger bottom-disturbing fishes to pick off exposed morsels.
Also known as
Quick Facts
Size
5.5 cm SL (about 2.2 inches)
Temperament
Peaceful
Difficulty
Intermediate
Min Tank Size
16 gallons
Lifespan
3-6 years
Origin
South America
Diet
Omnivore - aquatic macrophyte material and small invertebrates (e.g., Trichoptera larvae, ants, mayfly nymphs)
Water Parameters
22-27°C
6.5-7.5
Need a heater for this species?
This species needs 22-27°C in a 16 gallon tank. Use our heater calculator to find the right wattage.
Calculate heater sizeCare Notes
- House a shoal in at least a 16-gallon tank, leaving open midwater space with some cover; they naturally forage in groups.
- Hold temperature at 22-27 C and pH between 6.5-7.5, and keep those values steady for this intermediate characin.
- Feed a varied omnivore menu: small live or frozen invertebrates (they take Trichoptera larvae, ants, and mayfly nymphs in the wild) plus quality prepared foods with some plant or algae content.
- Choose calm tankmates; pairing them with gentle bottom foragers like Corydoras can bring out their habit of picking at morsels exposed by others.
- Avoid large or boisterous fishes that might outcompete or intimidate them; they are peaceful and stay small (to about 5.5 cm SL).
- With consistent maintenance and stable water, they typically live 3-6 years.
- There are no well-documented home breeding reports for Jupiaba acanthogaster, so focus on long-term care rather than spawning attempts.
Compatibility
Good Tankmates
- Small, peaceful South American tetras of similar size (e.g., black neon, lemon, ember, glowlight) - same water needs and calm schooling behavior
- Corydoras catfish and other gentle bottom foragers - they stir the substrate and the Peridot tetras will happily pick at exposed morsels
- Otocinclus catfish - quiet algae grazers that ignore midwater fish and share the same soft-neutral water
- Pencilfish (Nannostomus spp.) - mild top-mid dwellers that will not hassle them and complement their pace
- Hatchetfish (Carnegiella or Gasteropelecus spp.) - peaceful surface schoolers; use a tight lid
- Small, peaceable dwarf cichlids kept sensibly (e.g., Apistogramma borellii, Bolivian ram) - one pair in a well-scaped tank with line-of-sight breaks
Avoid
- Large or predatory cichlids and angelfish - may view a 2-inch tetra as food
- Known fin-nippers or boisterous fish (e.g., tiger barbs, serpae tetras, larger Astyanax) - likely to harass or outcompete them
- Very hard-water or brackish-leaning species like mollies - parameter mismatch and often too pushy
- Dwarf shrimp colonies (Neocaridina/Caridina) if you want babies - they will pick off shrimplets and tiny inverts
Peridot tetra (Jupiaba acanthogaster) is a small South American characin named for the subtle green-gold sheen that catches the light. Peaceful by nature, it reaches about 5.5 cm SL and can live 3-6 years with steady care. In the wild it often forages in groups and will opportunistically follow larger bottom-disturbing fishes to pick off exposed morsels.
Quick facts: freshwater, up to 5.5 cm SL (about 2.2 in), peaceful, intermediate care, lifespan 3-6 years, minimum tank 16 US gallons, 22-27 C, pH 6.5-7.5.
Origin and natural habitat
South American in origin, this species is a group-foraging characin. In nature it is known to trail larger fishes that disturb the substrate, snatching small invertebrates and bits of aquatic plant material exposed by the commotion. The peridot name comes from the fish’s subtle green-gold sheen.
Aquarium setup and water conditions
A 16-gallon tank or larger gives enough space for a group. Provide open areas for easy movement along with cover from plants or wood so the fish feel secure. Keep the water clean and stable within the ranges below; consistency matters more than chasing exact numbers.
Temperature 22-27 C; pH 6.5-7.5.
They naturally forage in groups. Keep multiple Peridot tetras rather than a lone specimen to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Diet and feeding
An omnivore that takes both plant material and small invertebrates. In the wild it consumes aquatic macrophyte material along with items like Trichoptera (caddisfly) larvae, ants, and mayfly nymphs. In the aquarium, offer a varied mix that covers both sides of that diet.
- Fine-quality micro pellets or flakes as a staple (include some with a plant/algae component).
- Small live or frozen invertebrate foods of appropriate size (for example, insect larvae or tiny crustaceans).
- Occasional vegetable matter, such as algae-based prepared foods.
Behaviour and tankmates
Peridot tetras are peaceful and do well in calm community settings. They are most confident in a group of their own species. You may see them shadow larger, gentle bottom-oriented fishes during feeding, mirroring their natural habit of picking morsels from disturbed substrate. Avoid aggressive or very boisterous tankmates that would outcompete a small characin for food.
Common issues and how to avoid them
- Too few conspecifics: solitary or tiny groups can lead to skittish behavior. Keep a group so they feel secure.
- One-note diets: relying only on dry foods can leave them in lean condition. Rotate in small invertebrate foods and some plant-based items.
- Cramped quarters or unstable water: a small fish still needs space and steady parameters. Start at 16 gallons and keep temperature and pH within the stated ranges.
- Food competition: pair with calm species so these tetras have time to feed. Offer small portions that disperse so individuals can grab their share.
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