Small, around 2 inches; males color up dramatically when comfortable and spawning.

Slightly stockier and more assertive; reaches a modest size that still fits many community tanks.

Several years with stable water and a school; shy if the tank is too bright or empty.

Can live years when water quality is good; stress from small groups shortens life and increases nipping.

Likes swimming room with plants for security; school size matters more than huge tank length.

High activity; appreciates length to chase in a group and break sight lines with decor.

Standard tropical maintenance; not especially messy relative to size when not overfed.

Active eaters; keep up with partial water changes if the school is large and fed heavily.

Schooling behavior is the main pattern you manage with group size and cover.

Same; you cannot train away nipping, only prevent it with stocking and school size.

Peaceful for mixed community tanks with small tetras and similar fish if water suits everyone.

Risky with bettas, angelfish, and guppies unless you really know barb dynamics; supervise kid feeding to avoid chaos.

Hardy when acclimated; ich after purchase is the usual watch item.

Generally hardy; injuries from nipping fights appear if the group is too small or tank is too cramped.

Affordable; buy a school so behavior and color stay good.

Also inexpensive per fish; budget for enough individuals to spread aggression within the species.