Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)

Description:
The Diamond Tetra is a stunning freshwater fish known for its shimmering, iridescent scales that reflect silver, gold, and violet hues, giving it a "diamond-like" sparkle. Its body is slightly compressed, and mature specimens develop elegant, flowing fins, particularly the males. This peaceful schooling species is a favorite for adding beauty and movement to community aquariums.

Size:
Up to 2.5 inches (6 cm)

Aquarium Size:
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Diamond Tetras, with larger tanks preferred for larger schools.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C)

• pH: 6.0 to 7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderate

Temperament:
Diamond Tetras are peaceful community fish. They are best suited for calm community setups and become more confident and display better colors when kept in proper schools.

Group Size:
Best kept in groups of 6 or more. Larger schools help reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior while enhancing their shimmering colors.

Compatibility:
Diamond Tetras are highly compatible with other peaceful fish such as rasboras, corydoras catfish, smaller gouramis, and other tetra species. Avoid housing them with fin-nipping fish due to their flowing fins.

Diet:
Omnivorous. They thrive on a varied diet including high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Occasional live foods can promote vibrant coloration.

Care Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. Diamond Tetras are hardy but thrive best with stable water parameters and regular maintenance.

Planted Aquarium:
Diamond Tetras are ideal for planted aquariums. Plants provide shelter, reduce stress, and help their reflective scales stand out more dramatically.

Invertebrate Compatibility:
They can be kept with peaceful invertebrates such as shrimp and snails. However, very small shrimp fry may be at risk of predation.

Lid Recommendation:
A secure lid is recommended, as Diamond Tetras can be prone to jumping when startled.

Additional Notes:
For the best coloration, provide a dark substrate and soft lighting conditions. Mature males tend to have more extended fins and a slightly brighter shimmer than females.

Disclaimer:
Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.