Inpaichthys parauapiranga - Scratched Inpa Tetra

Common Name: Scratched Inpa Tetra, Red-Blotched Tetra, Purple-Striped King Tetra
Scientific Name: Inpaichthys parauapiranga
Native Region: Mato Grosso, Brazil
Origin: Tank Bred, USA
Adult Size: Approximately 1–1.5"
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore / Micropredator
Currently Feeding On: EBO Sealife Proaktiv, EBO Artemia Softgran, EBO Insect Softgran
Swimming Level: Mid to upper water column
Recommended Group: 8+

The Scratched Inpa Tetra (Inpaichthys parauapiranga) is a beautiful and relatively uncommon South American tetra that was only formally described in 2024. Its name refers to the distinctive reddish blotched pattern along its body, while mature fish can display attractive violet, blue, and red tones that become especially impressive under subdued lighting.

Native to a tributary of the Rio Canamã in the Rio Aripuanã basin of Mato Grosso, Brazil, this species inhabits narrow, shallow streams with clear water, gentle to moderate flow, sandy bottoms, and abundant aquatic vegetation. A mature planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas, and open swimming space makes an excellent home for this species.

Scratched Inpa Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that are best kept in a proper group. Once settled, they become active and confident, spending much of their time moving through the middle of the aquarium and displaying with one another. Keeping a larger group also allows their natural social behavior and coloration to really shine.

Care Requirements

Temperature: 72–80°F
pH: 5.5–7.0
Tank Size: 15 gallons or larger
Water: Soft to moderately soft
Group Size: 8 or more

Scratched Inpa Tetras are omnivores and readily accept quality flakes and micro pellets. For the best health and coloration, offer a varied diet supplemented with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and other small aquatic foods. Their natural diet includes small invertebrates and insect larvae.

Their peaceful nature makes them excellent community fish when paired with other small, calm species. Small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, Corydoras, and other peaceful South American community fish make suitable companions. Avoid large, aggressive, or excessively boisterous tankmates.

A darker substrate, floating plants, and areas of shade can help these fish feel secure while also making their subtle purple, red, and iridescent coloration stand out. Gentle water movement and stable, clean water are ideal.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Breeding: Egg scatterer; spawning is best encouraged in soft, slightly acidic water with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.

Why We Like Them

• Rare and unusual South American tetra

• Beautiful red, purple, and iridescent coloration

• Peaceful schooling behavior

• Excellent choice for planted aquariums

• Small adult size

• Fascinating newly described species

• Naturally occurs in clear, vegetation-rich Brazilian streams

All livestock is carefully quarantined and monitored before being offered for sale at Saburai Aquatics.