Diamond Tetra

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Scientific Name

Moenkhausia pittieri

Min. Tank Size

25 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

75-82°F

pH

6.0-7.0/0-12°dGH

Size

2.5"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept in shoals with 6 or more of their own species; can be kept with other Tetras, Livebearers, Rasboras, Danios, Pencilfish, Corydoras, Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids and other non-aggressive Cichlids.

Diamond Tetra

Though often sold as juveniles when they tend to appear rather dull, Diamond Tetras are a stunning species. These fish have an overall metallic silver coloration which catches the light, giving them the appearance of sparkling like diamonds. The fins in this species are usually translucent, though they may have a purplish hue in some specimens. Diamond Tetras are endemic to Lake Valencia and the surrounding waters in Venezuela where the water quality is often poor due to pollution. These fish tend to inhabit the shallow waters of the lake but may also be found in the slow-moving tributaries. Males can be distinguished from the females by the longer dorsal fin.

Tank Set-Up

Diamond Tetras are a very adaptable species but they prefer dimly lit, densely planted tanks. When kept in large shoals, these fish can be very attractive and dense vegetation will encourage them to develop more intense colors. A dark substrate will also help to highlight the diamond sparkling effect of these beautiful fish. Because they are a peaceful species, these Tetras are often recommended for the general community tank. Diamond Tetras make good tankmates for Livebearers, Rasboras and other Tetras as well as larger species like Gouramis and non-aggressive Cichlids. They will fare much better in soft, acidic conditions as opposed to harder more alkaline water.

Feeding

The Diamond Tetra won’t hesitate at feeding time and will readily accept most aquarium foods offered. For optimum health and coloration, feed a varied diet of live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp, Daphnia, and bloodworms along with a high quality flake or pellet as a staple.

Breeding

This species can be spawned by following procedures similar to those used for other species of Tetra. The breeding pair should be conditioned on small live foods and introduced into a breeding tank filled with plenty of fine-leaved plants. The tank itself should be kept at a temperature between 80 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit and the water should be soft and acidic, having a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Eggs will normally hatch within 24-36 hours and the fry will be swimming about in another 3-4 days.