Diamond Tetra - L

Fish Profile: Diamond Tetra

• Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri
• Common Name: Diamond Tetra
• Adult Size: 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches)
• Life Expectancy: 3 – 6 years

• Habitat: Native to Venezuela, specifically Lake Valencia and surrounding water systems. They inhabit slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
• Ideal Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: 5 – 20 dGH (soft to moderately hard)
• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish; best kept in groups of 6 or more. Great for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish.

Diet & Nutrition

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Flake foods, micro pellets, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day, small portions.

Breeding & Spawning

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate
• Spawning Behavior: Egg scatterers.
• Breeding Tips: Use a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH ~6.5), fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition breeders with live food. Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg-eating. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; fry are free-swimming in 3–5 days.

Appearance

• Coloration: Iridescent silver body with a brilliant, diamond-like shimmer. The scales reflect light, especially under good aquarium lighting.
• Fins: Slightly elongated dorsal and caudal fins in males. Fins may have subtle orange or violet hues, especially in mature specimens.
• Eyes: The upper part of the eye often shows a bright red coloration.

Distinctive Features

• Eye-catching shimmer that gives them their "diamond" name.
• Males tend to be more colorful with longer fins, while females are rounder-bodied.
• Known for their graceful schooling behavior and compatibility with planted aquariums.