The Scarlet Tetra is a stunning characin known from tropical savannah creeks in Amapá in north-eastern Brazil. This is a peaceful shoaling species, ideal for mature softwater aquaria. The tank should be furnished with plenty of driftwood to create lots of shady areas, and the tannins that are gradually released from the wood should help to acidify the water whilst giving it a natural, clear tea-colour. Peat filtration can also help in this respect. Although plants are not found in abundance in the natural waters of this species, a moderate amount of planting will be appreciated and will help to make the fish feel more secure. Lighting should not be too bright (tannins and floating plants can help to diffuse brighter lighting), and darker substrate and background choices will help to show off their exquisite colours. Scarlet Tetras should always be maintained in good sized groups, 6 would be the minimum recommended, 10+ would be better. Not only will the fish feel more secure, but this will result in a far more effective, natural-looking shoal. Tankmates should also be small and peaceful, as these fish are easily intimidated by larger or more rowdy species. Ideal tankmates could include Corydoras catfish, small dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma or Mikrogeophagus, pencilfish, and some of the smaller Loricariidae (suckermouth catfish). Scarlet Tetras are currently being bred in good numbers in Europe and so are becoming more readily available in the trade. You may also see this fish sold as the Amapá Tetra or Red Line Tetra