The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a popular freshwater fish known for its iridescent scales that shimmer like diamonds. Native to the Lake Valencia basin in Venezuela, these peaceful schooling fish are a captivating addition to community aquariums.
Appearance and Size:
- They typically grow to about 4-6 cm (1.5-2.4 inches) in length.
- Males are generally larger and have more pronounced, extended fins (ventral, dorsal, and anal fins) with a violet sheen, while females have clearer fins.
- Their sparkling effect is most visible under proper aquarium lighting.
Tank Requirements:
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Tank Size: A minimum of 70-75 liters (20 gallons) is recommended for a small group (at least 6-8 individuals). Larger tanks are always better, especially for bigger schools or community setups.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 23-28°C (73-82°F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5 (They show their best colors in slightly acidic water below neutral).
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (GH 4-10 dGH, KH 2-6 dKH).
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Setup:
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Substrate: Fine-grained substrate like sand or small gravel.
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Plants: Densely planted aquariums with live plants like Java fern, Amazon sword, and Vallisneria are ideal, providing hiding spots and replicating their natural habitat. Floating plants can also offer shade.
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Decorations: Include driftwood, rocks, and twisted roots to enhance the natural feel.
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Lighting: Dim lighting is preferred.
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Water Flow: Moderate water flow, achievable with a gentle filter.
Diet:
- Diamond Tetras are omnivores.
- Their staple diet should be high-quality flake or pellet food.
- Supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae.
- They may also graze on microorganisms and biofilm in the tank.
- Adding plant-based options like spirulina flakes or blanched vegetables ensures a balanced diet.
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Feed them 2-3 times daily in small portions.
Behavior and Compatibility:
- Peaceful schooling fish that thrive in groups of at least 6-8. Keeping them in sufficient numbers helps reduce any potential fin-nipping behavior.
- Excellent for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species like rasboras, Corydoras catfish, other tetras, livebearers, danionins, and smaller Loricariids.
- Can also be kept with most commonly available gouramis and dwarf cichlids.
- They are active swimmers and prefer open spaces in the middle and upper areas of the tank.
Lifespan:
- With proper care, Diamond Tetras can live up to 5-6 years in a well-maintained aquarium.
Breeding:
- Breeding is possible in captivity and can be a rewarding experience.
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Breeding Tank: Set up a separate, dimly lit breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5) and a temperature around 27°C (80°F).
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Spawning: They are egg scatterers. Provide fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop for them to lay their eggs on. Spawning usually occurs in the morning.
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Post-Spawning: Remove adult fish immediately after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
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Fry Care: Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours. Initially, fry consume their yolk sacs, then can be fed infusoria or specialized fry food. As they grow, transition to finely crushed flake food. Maintain clean water and stable conditions for the fry.
