Diamond Tetra
Published August 6, 2019
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
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The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) gets it's common name from the way it's scales shimmer like diamonds under the right lighting.
Diamond Tetras do better in soft and slightly acidic water conditions. Keep them in schools of 5 or more for better results and to help limit any agression or fin nipping.
This tetra gets to be about 2.3 inches (6 cm) and should live for several years if kept in good water conditions and fed a proper diet. A good small pellet food (like new life spectrum) can form the majority of their diet but try to add in some defrosted meaty type foods (such as blackworms) from time to time as well.
Diamond Tetra Care
Scientific Name : Moenkhausia pittieri
Common Names : Diamond Characin
Care Level : Easy
Size : 2.3 inches (6 cm)
Water Parameters : pH 6 - 7 | dH range: 5 - 12 | Temperature : 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C)
Lifespan : 3 - 5 years
Origin / Habitat : South America, Lake Valencia basin in Venezuela
Temperament / Behavior : Very similar to other tetras. Keep them in groups of 5 or more.
Breeding : Needs to be well conditioned on high quality foods well before mating. Bump the temperature up to around 80F. They are egg scatterers and the parents will eat the eggs. Eggs hatch after 36 hours and fry are swimmng after 4 days.
Aquarium Size : 20 to 30 gallon recommended (schooling fish)
Tank Mates : Keep them in groups to limit the fin nipping. Avoid keeping them with fish large enough to eat them.
Diet / Foods : In the wild they feed on insects, worms and crustaceans (ref:fishbase). They will accept a good flake or pellet food. Supplement with live or thawed freshwater foods from time to time.
Tank Region : Middle to bottom, a fairly active fish
Gender : Males have much longer dorsal fins than females.
Photo Credit: Neale Monks
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