Best kept as a group in a spacious aquarium. Colours improve with age and are best when both sexes are present
Overview
Synonyms
Opisthanodus haerteli, Moenkhausia pittieri.
Distribution
Lake Valencia, Venezuela.
Maximum Size
6cm (2.36")
Temperature
24-28°C
Water Parameters
Soft and slightly acidic is best long-term. pH: 5.5-7.0, dH: up to 12 degrees.
Compatibility
Community with no long-finned fish
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are slimmer and have more elongated fins, most notably the dorsal.
Feeding
Flake, granules and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Diamond Tetra is a peaceful species that is best maintained in groups of 6 or more in the mature community aquarium. The tank should be well planted with both rooted and floating species, and furnished with dark decor in order to best show off the glittering iridescence of this species. Sensitive to a build up of nitrates, water quality must be kept to high standards at all times. Juveniles are all too often overlooked in aquatics stores, due to their dull colouration. A large group of adult Diamond Tetras is a truly stunning sight, with males competing to outshine one another and controlling discreet territories - a group of youngsters is well worth investing in.
Recent taxonomic work has put this species in the genus Makunaima.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia, brineshrimp and mosquito larvae.
Breeding
A separate softwater (pH 5.5-6.0, dH <4 degrees) aquarium should be used for the breeding process. Peat filtration is highly recommended. The tank should be furnished with fine-leaved plants for the eggs to be scattered amongst. Spawning is often triggered by the first rays of morning sunlight and once the female is exhausted of eggs, the parents should be removed. The eggs should hatch within 24-36 hours and become free-swimming after a further 4-6 days. The fry can be fed on infusoria and liquid fry food.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
