The toucan tetra (Tucanoichthys tucano) is a small fish native to Brazil. Mature fish reach an adult size of just over half an inch long. Mature females usually have rounder bellies and are often a little larger than the slimmer, more colorful males.
The toucan tetra should be maintained in an aquarium of 10 gallons or larger. Smooth rocks, driftwood (ZM2000) and live or artificial plants may be used, as well as a sandy substrate (CS7538). These fish look great in a heavily planted tank with a dark substrate and floating plants to diffuse some of the light.
The toucan tetra prefers a water temperature of 68°F to 22°F, a pH of 4.0 to 6.5, and a hardness of 1 to 8°H. Be sure water is clean and well oxygenated with a gentle flow.
The toucan tetra is suitable for a peaceful community aquarium. Good tank mates include ember tetras, small rasboras, pygmy cory catfish, otocinclus catfish, and other very small peaceful community fish. Toucan tetras should be kept in groups of at least 8 to 10 individuals to promote shoaling behaviors and make these small fish more comfortable.
The toucan tetra is easy to feed in the aquarium and will readily accept just about any appropriately sized food item such as flakes (AL165) and frozen reef plankton (SF8173). For maximum color, growth, and health these fish will look their best when given probiotics (AL169) in addition to a balanced diet.