Holopristis

The head-and-tail light tetra, Holopristis ocellifera, is a small characin from Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil. Also known as the beacon tetra, it is hardy, inexpensive and one of the best choices for a newcomer to fishkeeping. Wild fish are rarely offered, since it is commercially bred in huge numbers for the trade, and a selectively bred albino form is also available.

The pretty tetra, Holopristis pulchra, is a small characin endemic to the Upper Amazon in Peru, found in slow-moving tributaries under forest cover. Also known as the garnet or black wedge tetra, it is hardy, inexpensive and a good choice for the beginner. The vast majority on sale in the UK come from commercial farms in Eastern Europe, and it does well in most general community tanks.