[3][4] It is found in the rivers of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the Amazon Basin of Brazil and Peru.

It has a maximum size of 5 centimetres (2.0 in); the sexes are distinguished by mature females being fuller bodied.

Captive-raised specimens will acclimatise to a range of water conditions: pH should be 6–8; dH up to 18°; and temperature 72 to 79 °F (22 to 26 °C).

Hiding places and open swimming areas should be available and consideration is given to the colors of this fish showing best when they are housed in tanks with a dark substrate and background.

Beacon tetras will accept flake, micropellets, and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and daphnia.