Diamond Tetra – Moenkhausia pittieri

Species name: Moenkhausia pittieri

Synonym: Moenkhausia pittieri

Common name: Diamond Tetra

Family: Characidae

Order: Cypriniformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 2.5 inches (6 cm).

Environment: freshwater

Origin: South America - in the waters of Lake Valencia, Rio Bue, Rio Tiquiriti and in Venezuela

Temperament: Peaceful

Company: Are suitable for community aquariums.

Water parameters: Temperature 22-28°C / 72-82°F. ph. 5.5- 7.5

Aquarium setup: They prefer a clean well planted aquarium and enjoy more dimmed lighting which can be achieved with floating plants they also enjoy a lower PH and water filtered over turf which will also show up the coloring more.

Character: They are very peaceful and make a beautiful addition to any community tank. They live for up to 5 years and if well fed can show stunning colors. They truly glitter like their namesake with an opalescent shine of its scales in hues of orange, green, blue & purple. Everytime they swim in a different direction more colors can be seen. The more mature the more amazing the colors especially in males who’s dorsal & pelvic fins take on a purple color.

Feeding: They are not fussy eaters and accept most foods including flake food.

Breeding: They are easy to sex, The dorsal fin of the male is long and flowing. It is also more pointed and is sickle shaped. The female becomes full bodied while the male remains more slender. For breeding a breeding tank needs to be set up (5 gallons is fine) and the PH lowered to 5.5 and the hardness of the water to less than 4 dGH. The tank has to be completely darkened and the light gradually added to induce spawning. The biggest challenge in breeding Diamond Tetra’s is finding a compatible couple…they must be of the same size & age to spawn together.

Diamond Tetra male

Diamond tetra female

Pictures by www.fishaliciousfish.blogspot.com