Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Blueberry Tetra
Hyphessobrycon wadai
From South America: upper Rio Tapajós basin, Brazil1
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small scaled characin
A small tetra sold under the name blueberry tetra, a nod to its bluish tones. It is a recently described species from clear streams in the Tapajós region of Brazil.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Comes from streams with moderate to fast current, so it appreciates gentle water movement and room to swim.1
Home where they are happiest
In the wild it lives in clear-water streams with moderate to rapid flow over sandy bottoms in a tropical climate. Specific aquarium temperature and pH ranges were not found in the sources consulted.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Its natural diet includes filamentous algae, organic debris, insect larvae and bits of land insects and other small arthropods.1
The story where it all began
Scientists Marinho, Dagosta, Camelier and Oyakawa described the species in 2016 from the upper Rio Tapajós basin in Brazil. It is named after Luiz Wada, an ornamental fish breeder and keen aquarist.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was only described by science in 2016, making it one of the newer tetras in the hobby.1
- 2
The species name honours Luiz Wada, a Brazilian ornamental fish breeder and aquarist.1
- 3
The genus name Hyphessobrycon comes from Greek words meaning roughly 'a little smaller' and 'to bite'.1
- 4
Its wild diet even includes pieces of land insects that fall into the stream.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Not Evaluated1
- FishBase
- Noted as a popular aquarium trade species under the name blueberry tetra1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Blueberry Tetra. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Blueberry Tetra?
Feed your Blueberry Tetra small amounts once or twice a day. As an omnivore, it enjoys a varied diet. Avoid overfeeding to keep the water clean.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Blueberry Tetra eat, and what should it never eat?
Blueberry Tetras are omnivores and naturally eat algae, insect larvae, and small arthropods. For foods to avoid, it's best to ask a vet or good breeder, as specific harmful foods aren't listed here.1
How much space does a Blueberry Tetra need?
Your Blueberry Tetra appreciates room to swim and gentle water movement. For a precise tank size, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.1
What temperature, light or water does a Blueberry Tetra need?
This tetra comes from tropical clear-water streams with sandy bottoms. For exact temperature, pH, and lighting, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.1
How often should I clean a Blueberry Tetra's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Also test water weekly and check temperature daily. Furry Diary plan
Can a Blueberry Tetra live with others?
Blueberry Tetras are small and peaceful, but specific tank mates aren't covered here. For best companions, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
How long does a Blueberry Tetra live?
Lifespan isn't specified in the sources. For an estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Blueberry Tetra?
Handling fish is generally stressful and not recommended. For specific advice, ask an exotic-pet vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Hyphessobrycon wadai fishbase.seused for distribution, length, habitat, diet, describers, etymology, IUCN status, trade name
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.