Product Details

Scratched Inpa Tetra – Inpaichthys parauapiranga

The Scratched Inpa Tetra is a rare and attractive Brazilian tetra with a sleek body, active shoaling behaviour and distinctive dark “scratched” markings through the body. Also sold as the Scratched Kerri Tetra, Scratched Royal Tetra or Purple-striped King Tetra, this recently described species is closely related to the well-known Royal Tetra, Inpaichthys kerri. It is best suited to mature planted aquariums with a proper group, calm tank mates and stable soft to neutral water conditions.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Scratched Inpa Tetra
Other Names: Scratched Kerri Tetra, Scratched Royal Tetra, Purple-striped King Tetra, Scratched INPA Tetra
Scientific Name: Inpaichthys parauapiranga
Fish Type: Tetra / Small Characin
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Inpaichthys parauapiranga is native to Brazil and is described from the rio Canamã area, within the rio Aripuanã basin in Mato Grosso State. This drainage forms part of the wider upper rio Madeira system, a region known for many small tributaries, forest streams and clear to tannin-influenced waters.

Detailed aquarium information is still developing because this is a recently described species, but it should be treated as a small South American tetra from clean, tropical tributary habitats. In the aquarium, it benefits from a mature planted setup with driftwood, shaded areas, gentle to moderate flow and open midwater swimming space.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Scratched Inpa Tetras have a slim, slightly deeper-bodied shape similar to related Inpaichthys species. The body may show silver, violet, blue-grey or warm reflective tones depending on lighting, mood and maturity, with darker longitudinal markings that give the fish its “scratched” appearance.

Adults usually reach around 3–4 cm. Mature males may show stronger colour, darker fin edging and more active display behaviour, while females are generally fuller-bodied and may appear slightly softer in colour.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to planted aquariums, specialist tetra communities and peaceful South American-style displays. It appreciates a mix of open swimming room and plant cover, with floating plants or shaded areas helping the fish feel secure.

Scratched Inpa Tetras are not suitable for aggressive communities, large predatory fish or unstable new aquariums. They are active and confident for their size, but they still need calm tank mates, clean water and a proper group to show their best colour and behaviour.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 75–80 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 75 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are better for bigger shoals or mixed peaceful communities.

Keep in a group of at least 8, with 10 or more preferred where space allows. A good-sized group reduces stress, spreads male display behaviour and encourages more natural activity.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 23–27°C
pH: 6.0–7.4
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Stable, clean water is important. This species is likely to show best in soft to neutral water with gentle to moderate flow, planted cover and regular water changes. Avoid immature aquariums, sudden parameter swings, poor water quality and very hard alkaline extremes.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Scratched Inpa Tetras are peaceful, active shoaling fish. Males may display, flare and chase lightly, but this is usually harmless in a good-sized group with enough swimming space and cover.

Suitable tank mates include small tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, dwarf cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, peaceful dwarf cichlids, small gourami and other calm community fish. Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species and very boisterous fish that may stress or outcompete them.

Feeding:

Scratched Inpa Tetras are small omnivorous micropredators. In the aquarium, offer fine flakes, micro pellets and small slow-sinking granules as the staple diet.

Supplement regularly with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm. A varied diet will help maintain body condition, colour and natural display behaviour. Feed small amounts that are eaten quickly to protect water quality.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is an active midwater tetra that spends much of its time moving through open water and planted cover. Settled groups can be quite bold and will often feed confidently alongside other peaceful community fish.

Males may hold small positions within the group and display to rivals or females, showing stronger colour and fin posture when in good condition. Breeding may be possible in soft, clean water with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, although adults may eat eggs and fry.

Care Notes:

Keep Scratched Inpa Tetras in a proper group and add them only to a mature, stable aquarium. Provide planted cover, clean water, small foods and peaceful tank mates.

Because this is a rare and recently described species, avoid mixing it with similar Inpaichthys species if breeding or maintaining a pure group is important. Careful acclimation, regular water changes and low stress are recommended, especially for newly imported fish.

Recommended For:

Intermediate

Availability:

Rare / Specialist import or limited captive-bred availability

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.