All fish / Alestidae

Jellybean Tetra

Ladigesia roloffi

Also known as jelly bean tetra, roloff's tetra, sierra leone dwarf characin, ladigesia tetra, ラディゲシア・ロロフィ, 果冻豆灯

A tiny, slim African tetra with a translucent amber body, a shiny iridescent stripe along the flank and red and orange tints in the fins. It is kept for its gentle nature and subtle shimmer in planted, dimly lit nano tanks, where a group shows its best colour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp, plus fine flakes and micro pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

West Africa: Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast coastal streams

Breeding

It scatters eggs over fine plants or moss and gives no parental care. It has been bred in soft, acidic water with dim light, but it is not often spawned and the tiny fry need infusoria first.

Good to know

It is shy and jumps readily, so a tight lid and floating plants are wise, and it should only be kept with other small, calm fish. Wild-caught stock can be delicate at first and needs clean, soft water.