All fish / Characidae

Diamond Tetra

Moenkhausia pittieri

Also known as diamond tetra, pittier's tetra, diamond characin, diamond tetra long fin, longfin diamond tetra, ปลาไดมอนด์เตตร้า, ダイヤモンド・テトラ, 钻石灯, 钻石灯鱼

A deep-bodied tetra whose large scales sparkle like glitter under good lighting, with adult males growing long, flowing dorsal and anal fins tinted violet. It is hardy, peaceful and looks its best in a planted tank with a darker substrate, which is why it suits community aquariums so well.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and small pellets, frozen or live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, some plant matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Venezuela (Lake Valencia basin and nearby coastal drainages)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops in soft, slightly acidic water, and the adults will eat the eggs. A separate dimly lit breeding tank makes it fairly easy to raise the fry on infusoria and then baby brine shrimp.

Good to know

The sparkle develops slowly and young shop fish often look plain. Males may nip at slow fish with long fins, so keep a proper shoal and choose tankmates carefully.