The Diamond Tetra is a stunning freshwater schooling fish prized for its brilliant iridescent scales that shimmer with silver, blue, and violet highlights under proper lighting. Native to Venezuela, this elegant tetra becomes increasingly beautiful as it matures, with adults displaying a true diamond-like sparkle that makes them stand out in planted and community aquariums.
Peaceful, active, and hardy, Diamond Tetras are an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a visually striking yet easy-to-care-for schooling fish. Their constant movement and reflective coloration add life and depth to any aquarium layout.
Diamond Tetras thrive in stable, well-established aquariums with plenty of swimming space. A planted tank with open areas, darker substrate, and subdued lighting helps enhance their metallic sheen. They do best when kept in groups, where their natural schooling behavior and confidence are on full display.
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
GH: 3–12
Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommended
Keeping Diamond Tetras in groups of 6 or more reduces stress and encourages more natural behavior and coloration.
Diamond Tetras are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods. Feed a high-quality flake or micro-pellet as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A varied diet promotes vibrant coloration and healthy growth.
Breeding Diamond Tetras is possible in dedicated breeding setups. They are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care. Spawning is encouraged with soft water, slightly elevated temperatures, and fine-leaf plants or spawning mops. Fry hatch quickly and can be raised on infusoria and finely crushed foods.
Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri
Common Name: Diamond Tetra
Adult Size: ~2.5 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Mid-water
Diet: Omnivore
Schooling: Yes (6+ recommended)
Lifespan: 5–7 years
With their brilliant metallic shimmer, peaceful nature, and hardy temperament, Diamond Tetras are an excellent addition to community aquariums and planted tanks. When kept in proper groups and conditions, they provide nonstop movement and eye-catching sparkle that truly lives up to their name.
The Diamond Tetra is a stunning freshwater schooling fish prized for its brilliant iridescent scales that shimmer with silver, blue, and violet highlights under proper lighting. Native to Venezuela, this elegant tetra becomes increasingly beautiful as it matures, with adults displaying a true diamond-like sparkle that makes them stand out in planted and community aquariums.
Peaceful, active, and hardy, Diamond Tetras are an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a visually striking yet easy-to-care-for schooling fish. Their constant movement and reflective coloration add life and depth to any aquarium layout.
Diamond Tetras thrive in stable, well-established aquariums with plenty of swimming space. A planted tank with open areas, darker substrate, and subdued lighting helps enhance their metallic sheen. They do best when kept in groups, where their natural schooling behavior and confidence are on full display.
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
GH: 3–12
Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommended
Keeping Diamond Tetras in groups of 6 or more reduces stress and encourages more natural behavior and coloration.
Diamond Tetras are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods. Feed a high-quality flake or micro-pellet as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A varied diet promotes vibrant coloration and healthy growth.
Breeding Diamond Tetras is possible in dedicated breeding setups. They are egg scatterers and do not provide parental care. Spawning is encouraged with soft water, slightly elevated temperatures, and fine-leaf plants or spawning mops. Fry hatch quickly and can be raised on infusoria and finely crushed foods.
Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri
Common Name: Diamond Tetra
Adult Size: ~2.5 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Mid-water
Diet: Omnivore
Schooling: Yes (6+ recommended)
Lifespan: 5–7 years
With their brilliant metallic shimmer, peaceful nature, and hardy temperament, Diamond Tetras are an excellent addition to community aquariums and planted tanks. When kept in proper groups and conditions, they provide nonstop movement and eye-catching sparkle that truly lives up to their name.
