Remarks: When the lipstick tetra first was described in 2007 and started to become known to the fishkeeping hobby, it almost instantly became a must have for tetra lovers. Their high desirability stems from their gorgeous coloration. Lipstick tetras sport a silver or tan body with a dark gray or black horizontal band running the length of their body just below their lateral line ending just before a dark spot at the base of the tail. This band is most apparent when the fish is in spawning dress and can seem to completely disappear at times. Across their body they have a blue and green sheen along with gold iridescent scales mostly along the top of their body. Their eyes are unique in that the bottom half of their eye is blue while the top half is green which separates them from their closest relatives like the red eye tetra (Bario sanctaefilomenae) as they typically have red eyes. Lipstick tetras have a clear operculum, their gill plate/cover, which means their bright red gills show through giving them the appearance of red “cheeks.” Where they get their common name from is the red band on their top lip giving them the appearance of wearing lipstick. All these aspects make the lipstick tetra a truly stunning fish. The lipstick tetra is known to naturally inhabit just the tributaries in the Paraguai and Tapajos river drainages in central Brazil. They reside in large schools along the river banks where they take refuge amongst marginal vegetation and sunken branches. The water in these areas is clean and clear with a moderately fast current, low pH, and low water hardness with a sandy bottom beneath. Such conditions should be replicated within the home aquarium to ensure the lipstick tetra thrives and shows the best coloration. This includes frequent water changes, close attention to water parameters, providing plenty of hiding spots, and keeping them in groups of at least 6-8 individuals. Their omnivorous diet should also be replicated by feeding a varied, high-quality diet. Like with most tetras their size, lipstick tetras are very peaceful and usually will only get nippy if not kept in adequate numbers to keep their focus on each other. Tankmates that are aggressive or large enough to swallow the lipstick tetra should be avoided. If these guidelines are followed, lipstick tetras can be a great addition to many community tanks or appreciated in their own species only tank.
