Kitty Tetra Care Guide

Kitty Tetra (Hyphessobrycon cf. loweae) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 77-82°F. A tiny, soft-water tetra from Brazil, sold in the trade as a tentative identification ('cf. loweae') rather than a fully settled species name. It is lively but shy, and hides near larger fish unless kept in a real group of its own.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Keep eight or more; a lone or small group hides and stresses easily.
• Soft, slightly acidic water suits it best, though it adapts to moderate hardness.
• Avoid large or boisterous tankmates; it is easily outcompeted at feeding time.

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.