Red Tail Hokey Tetra

About the Red Tail Hokey Tetra

The Red Tail Hokey Tetra is a peaceful and active freshwater schooling fish, admired for its shimmering silver body, reflective "headlight and taillight" markings, and vibrant red-orange tail. Closely related to the popular Head and Tail Light Tetra, this attractive variety adds constant movement and subtle flashes of colour to planted and community aquariums.

Easy to care for and highly adaptable, Red Tail Hokey Tetras are an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. They thrive in established aquariums with live plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas where they can school naturally. Their calm temperament makes them ideal companions for Corydoras, rasboras, rainbowfish, dwarf gouramis, peaceful cichlids, and other non-aggressive tropical fish.

Like all schooling tetras, they should be kept in groups of at least six, with larger schools displaying the best colour, confidence, and natural behaviour. A varied diet of premium flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live foods will keep them healthy and encourage vibrant colouration.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Hemigrammus ocellifer

Common Name

Red Tail Hokey Tetra

Origin

South America (Amazon and Orinoco River Basins)

Adult Size

4–5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

60 Litres

Temperature

23–28°C

pH

6.0–7.5

Water Hardness

2–15 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

4–6 Years

Suitable For

Community and planted aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Red Tail Hokey Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are hardy, peaceful, and adapt well to a wide range of aquarium conditions.

How many Red Tail Hokey Tetras should I keep?

Keep them in schools of at least six, although groups of eight to twelve will display more natural schooling behaviour.

What do Red Tail Hokey Tetras eat?

They readily accept quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, along with occasional live foods.

Can Red Tail Hokey Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult shrimp are generally safe, but tiny shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Do they need a planted aquarium?

While not essential, planted aquariums with driftwood and open swimming areas help them feel secure and display their best colours.

Common Mistakes

Keeping too few fish

These are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups to reduce stress.

Mixing with aggressive species

Avoid housing them with larger or territorial fish that may bully them.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions and regular maintenance are essential for long-term health.

Overfeeding

Feed small amounts once or twice daily to maintain excellent water quality.

Lack of swimming space

Provide open areas for schooling while including plants and décor for shelter.