Diamond Tetra (1.25-1.5”)

Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri

Maximum Size and Lifespan:
Diamond tetras grow to about 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm). With good care, they typically live 3–5 years, though some may reach slightly longer lifespans in well-maintained aquariums.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care:
A 20-gallon long (75 L) tank or larger is recommended for a small school. Diamond tetras are active and do best in groups of at least 6–8 individuals, which helps reduce stress and brings out their shimmering appearance.

• Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5

• Temperature 74–82°F (23–28°C).

• Water Changes: Weekly water changes of 25–30% are ideal to keep the water clean and stable.

• Care: Provide a dimly lit aquarium with plants, driftwood, and some open swimming space. A darker substrate enhances their diamond-like shimmer.

Tankmates:
Diamond tetras are peaceful community fish. Suitable companions include other small to medium tetras, rasboras, corydoras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and livebearers. Avoid fin-nippers or overly aggressive species.

Diet:
They are omnivorous and will accept high-quality flake or micro-pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Vegetable matter (such as spirulina or blanched greens) helps balance their diet. A varied diet ensures strong coloration and vitality.

Overview:
Diamond tetras are named for their brilliant iridescent scales, which sparkle under the right lighting. They are active, hardy, and relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for both beginner and intermediate aquarists. Their schooling behavior and flashes of silver and violet give a lively yet elegant look to community aquariums.

Natural Environment:
In the wild, they are found in Lake Valencia and nearby rivers in Venezuela, where waters are warm, soft, and plant-rich. They inhabit areas with submerged vegetation and shaded spots created by overhanging branches, which help diffuse light.

Breeding:
Diamond tetras are egg scatterers. To breed them successfully:

• Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.

• Condition males and females with live foods; males develop stronger iridescence and females become plumper.

• During spawning, females release up to 200 eggs, which are scattered among plants.

• Adults should be removed after spawning, as they will eat the eggs.

• Eggs hatch in about 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming after 3–4 days. They can be fed infusoria at first, then baby brine shrimp or microworms as they grow.