Jellybean Tetra (Lepidarchus adonis) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 10 gallons and 73-80°F. One of the smallest tetras, a tiny, nearly see-through African fish with a red-orange flash at the tail. It is delicate and shy, so keep a good-sized group in a calm, mature, planted tank with gentle flow and only tiny, peaceful tankmates.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Lepidarchus adonis |
|---|---|
| Family | Alestidae |
| Origin | Coastal West Africa |
| Adult size | 1 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gallons |
| Temperature | 73-80°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy |
| Social behavior | Schooling, keep 8+ |
| Swim level | Mid to upper |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Micro pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms |
| Typical lifespan | 2-3 years |
Quick tips
- Keep eight or more in a quiet tank.
- Choose only tiny, calm tankmates.
- Feed very small foods and keep water stable.
San Diego water
Prefers softer, more acidic water than San Diego's tap (pH roughly 7.6-8.6, hard). Most keepers blend tap with RO/DI water or use a remineralized RO/DI supply. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi