Remarks:  The orange von rio tetra is one of the many lines of von rio tetra that have been selectively bred in captivity. They have much brighter orange colors compared to their typical counterparts and usually have a large cream or white patch in place of their usual vertical black bars that have become very faint.

  The von rio tetra has been a popular staple in the hobby since the 1900s. These small tetras, only rarely exceeding an inch in length, pack a lot of color for their size with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges throughout their bodies and fins. Males will display these colors at a higher intensity compared to females who are usually slightly duller and have more rounded bodies. These bright colors are reminiscent of fire and are accented by 2-3 black vertical bars starting just behind the gill plate. This coloration makes them stand out beautifully against live green plants. Some have been bred to have much more intense or different coloration such as orange, albino, diamond, and golden.

  Their gorgeous coloration is not the only reason that the von rio tetra has been in the hobby for so long. They are as easy to care for as they are eye-catching. While they do best when kept in soft water with a low pH, they have been bred in captivity for so long they have become tolerant of a wide range of water parameters. This is to the point that they are commonly bred in Florida which has naturally hard and basic water parameters. Von rio tetras are not only tolerant of water parameters, but of other fish as well. Typically, these tetras are very peaceful and get along with just about anything that won’t try to eat them. Their taller bodies make it where they are harder to swallow compared to species such as neon tetras so that gives a longer list of compatible species. However, it should be noted some von rio tetras can be a little nippy when it comes to long fins. For this reason, tankmates with long, flowing fins such as veiltail angelfish and long-finned guppies should only be kept with these tetras with caution. Being social like most tetras, they should be kept in groups of 6 or more to prevent stress and encourage natural behaviors.

  Unfortunately, while the von rio tetra is widespread in captivity in plentiful numbers, the same can’t be said for wild populations. They were known to inhabit shallow, tannin-stained, heavily vegetated, and calm tributaries in southwestern Brazil, specifically around São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro where they were considered endemic. Unfortunately, their populations have been near decimated in the wild due to development and pollution from nearby industrialization and dam construction. Introduced invasive species have also caused the von rio tetras to struggle. The last confirmed sighting of these fish was of a small, fragmented population in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro state. This sighting however, is debated on whether they were truly wild fish as they bore resemblance that was more like the captive bred lines that were selectively bred for more color rather than the natural coloration. Their dwindling numbers and sparse sightings have caused the von rio tetra to be on the Brazilian list of threatened fish species since 2004 and it to be suspected they may be extinct in the wild. This situation is one of the many that should encourage fish keepers to try to keep at least captive populations going, do what is possible to prevent further destruction of natural habitats in South America, and to support conservation groups.