Quick Answer
Clue: “Small, colorful fish that’s popular in aquariums”
Answer: TETRA
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number & direction: 4-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Small, colorful fish that’s popular in aquariums” is answered with TETRA.
Why TETRA Is the Right NYT Answer
- Tetras are classic small, bright, schooling fish commonly kept in home aquariums, so the clue’s description matches perfectly.
- The 5-letter length fits TETRA exactly, and once you have a T or R from crossings, patterns like TET_A or _ETRA strongly point to this entry.
What TETRA Means in Plain English
- A tetra is a small tropical freshwater fish, often brightly colored, that is popular with aquarium hobbyists.
- Common examples include neon tetras and cardinal tetras, both known for their striking colors and schooling behavior.
Crossword-Specific Help and Pattern Tips
- In a grid, TETRA often appears with patterns like TET_A or _ETRA, which are easy to spot once a couple of crossings are in place.
- TETRA is fairly common in crosswords, frequently clued as “Aquarium fish,” “Neon ___,” “Colorful aquarium swimmer,” or “Small tropical fish.”
- For 4-Down, crossings from connected answers (like ARFS, BAIT, IGLOO, OAR in the same Mini) help lock in T–E–T–R–A with no ambiguity.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When you see “small,” “colorful,” and “aquarium” together in a 5-letter clue, TETRA should be your first thought.
- Watch for partials such as “Neon ___” or “Cardinal ___”; these almost always take TETRA in mainstream crosswords.
If a clue mentions “schooling fish” or “tiny tropical fish,” check whether the entry length matches 5 if so, TETRA is a strong candidate
