Our Guide To Keeping Scratched Inpa Tetra Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Inpaichthys parauapiranga
   • Common name: Scratched Inpa Tetra
   • Family: Acestrorhamphidae
   • Origin: Rio Canamã tributary, Rio Aripuanã basin, upper Rio Madeira basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil
   • Adult length: Up to around 2.6 cm
   • Lifespan: Around 3 to 5 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish

2. Tank Setup:

   • Scratched Inpa Tetras are best kept in a mature, well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting and plenty of cover. A minimum tank size of around 45L to 60L is suitable for a small group.
   • Use driftwood, leaf litter, fine-leaved plants, and a darker substrate to help them feel secure and encourage natural behaviour.
   • As this is a very small tetra, it should be kept in a group of at least six to eight fish, though larger groups are always better.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Scratched Inpa Tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of around 5.8 to 7.0.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C.
   • Soft water is generally preferred for long-term health and best colouration.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Gentle filtration is ideal, with low to moderate water movement.
   • Stable, clean water is important, so regular maintenance and careful stocking are recommended.

5. Diet:

   • Scratched Inpa Tetras are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet of quality micro pellet or finely crushed flake food.
   • They will also benefit from very small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia, and other suitably sized invertebrate foods.
   • A varied diet will help maintain condition, colour, and natural activity levels.

6. Tank mates:

   • Scratched Inpa Tetras are peaceful and are best kept with other very small, calm community fish.
   • Suitable tank mates may include tiny tetras, pencilfish, dwarf Corydoras, small rasboras, and other gentle species that enjoy similar water conditions.
   • Avoid large, aggressive, or boisterous fish that may stress or outcompete them.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Scratched Inpa Tetras are active little shoaling fish that feel safest when maintained in groups.
   • They are likely to spend much of their time midwater, exploring planted areas and moving together through open swimming space.
   • This species is best suited to peaceful nano or small community aquariums with stable water quality and a calm environment.