Nurse Tetra (Brycinus nurse)

Fish in the family Alestidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameBrycinus nurse

FamilyAlestidae

Also known asSilverside Tetra, Nurse Characin

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size9 in

Minimum tank size75 gallons

Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 6-20 dGH

Appearance

Streamlined silver body built for speed, with reflective flanks and a deeply forked tail.

Difficulty and care for the Nurse Tetra

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Africa (Nile, Niger, and West African river systems)

Keeper notes

Large, fast schooling characin; will eat small fish and uproot plants. A tank-busting species best for big setups.

Log Nurse Tetra in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Nurse Tetra alongside everything else in your reef.

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