Head and Tail Light Tetra

The Head and Tail Light Tetra gets it's common name from the way two small areas on the body seem to reflect light. One area is right behind the eye and the other area is at the base of the caudal fin. It may be hard to see this in tanks with lower lighting levels.

Like other tetras, the Head and Tail Light Tetra likes to be in small schools of 6 or more. They are generally peaceful fish and do really well in live plant aquariums. Water should be kept slightly on the acidic side. Since they come from the slower moving waters in the Amazon Basin it may be a good idea to give them a slower current in the home aquarium as well.

Breeding them in the home aquarium is possible but requires pre-conditioning with live and premium foods. You will need a separate breeding tank for the spawn and then to raise the fry in. Water must be on the soft and acidic side with low lighting levels. Parents should be removed after you see the eggs.

It's always a good idea to keep any new fish in a quarantine tank for a few weeks for monitoring before introducing them into your main tank.

They will accept most fish food including flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods.

Picture

Hemigrammus ocellifer Head Tail Light Tetra

Freshwater Fish Species Profile and Care Information

Scientific Name : Hemigrammus ocellifer

Common Names : Beacon Fish

Care Level : Easy

Size : Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

pH : 6 - 7.5

Temperature : 72°F - 80°F (22°C - 27°C)

Life span : 3 - 5 years or longer

Origin / Habitat : South America, Amazon Basin

Temperament / Behavior : This is a generally peaceful fish and does well when kept in a small school of 6 or more.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : They have been bred in captivity and are egg layers. Requires acidic water conditions, low lighting levels and pre-spawn conditioning with live foods.

Tank Size : 20 gallon minimum

Compatible Tank Mates : Similar or smaller sized species that are comparable in temperament. Does well with other tetras.

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease

Diet / Fish Food : An omnivore - provide a varied diet with live food, frozen food and they should accept flake food.

Tank Region : Middle to Top

Gender : Female is more robust than the male, may only be noticeable when ready to spawn.

Similar Species : Characins, Tetras

Fish Lore Forum : Head and Tail Light Tetra Forum

Gallery Photos : Head and Tail Light Tetra Photos

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