Diamond Tetra Moenkhausia Pittieri 2cm

Overview

The Diamond Tetra is a larger, deep-bodied tetra whose scales flash violet, gold and green like scattered glitter, with males growing long, flowing dorsal and anal fins. Young fish are plain silver and only develop their sparkle with age, so patience is rewarded. It is native to Lake Valencia in Venezuela and suits a roomy soft water community.

• Adult Size: Around 6 cm (2.4 in); males larger with longer fins
• Lifespan: 5–6 years

Origin

• Native to: Lake Valencia and its tributaries, northern Venezuela
• Habitat: Shallow, vegetated lake margins and slow streams

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Flake, granules, bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, blanched spinach
• Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily; eats almost anything offered, so vary it

Tank Mates

• Best with: Medium tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, peaceful gouramis
• Avoid: Long-finned slow fish such as guppies or bettas; large aggressive cichlids

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful in a good group
• Territoriality: Can fin nip if kept in too few numbers

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Needs space and a group of six to eight to curb nipping

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• Hardness: 5–12 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 80 litres; larger is better for an active shoal

Final Notes

Expect dull juveniles; the colour and finnage take a year or more to develop, and show best in slightly acidic water over a dark substrate with dim light. Keep six or more, as small groups nip tank mates' fins. Males are slimmer with extended violet-tinged fins; females shorter-finned and stockier. Egg scatterer that spawns readily in soft water. A mature shoal is genuinely spectacular.