Diamond Tetra: A Guide for Aquarists

If you're looking to add a shimmer of elegance and tranquility to your aquarium, the Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is an exceptional choice. With its iridescent scales, graceful swimming, and peaceful temperament, this freshwater species is a gem — quite literally — in any aquascape.

Origins and Natural Habitat

Native to Venezuela, particularly in the Lake Valencia region, Diamond Tetras inhabit slow-moving, densely vegetated waters. Their natural environment is soft and slightly acidic, a condition that's easy to replicate in a well-maintained home aquarium.

Appearance: Why They're Called "Diamond"

Diamond Tetras earn their name from the shimmering silver and violet hues that flash across their scales. Under good lighting, their bodies sparkle like diamonds — a feature that becomes even more pronounced as they mature. Males often exhibit longer, more flowing dorsal fins and more intense coloration compared to females.

• Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care

• Coloration: Silver-violet with metallic shine, more vibrant with age

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Creating a suitable environment for Diamond Tetras is straightforward and rewarding. Here's what they need:

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small school

• Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Lighting: Moderate to highlight their iridescence

• Plants and Decor: Dense planting with open swimming areas, driftwood, and a dark substrate to enhance their colors

Social Behavior and Compatibility

Diamond Tetras are peaceful shoaling fish. They thrive in groups of six or more, which helps reduce stress and brings out natural behaviors. When kept alone or in too small a group, they may become timid or lose coloration.

Good Tankmates:

• Other tetras (e.g., neon, ember, black skirt)

• Corydoras catfish

• Dwarf gouramis

• Peaceful rasboras

• Otocinclus

Avoid housing them with aggressive or significantly larger fish that might bully or outcompete them.

Diet and Feeding

Diamond Tetras are omnivores and not fussy eaters. A varied diet keeps them healthy and vibrant.

• Staple Foods: High-quality flake or micro pellet food

• Supplements: Live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms

• Vegetables: Blanched spinach or zucchini occasionally

Feed them 2–3 times a day in amounts they can consume within a couple of minutes.

Breeding Diamond Tetras

Breeding can be done in a separate spawning tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. Conditioning with live foods increases success rates.

• Males chase females during courtship.

• Eggs are scattered among plants and hatch in 24–36 hours.

• Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg predation.

Raising fry can be a rewarding challenge for hobbyists with some experience.

Common Health Concerns

Diamond Tetras are generally hardy, but like all fish, they're prone to:

• Ich (White Spot Disease)

• Fin Rot

• Fungal Infections

Regular water changes, proper filtration, and avoiding sudden parameter changes are key to preventing illness.

Why Choose Diamond Tetras?

• Stunning iridescence and peaceful nature

• Easy to care for, suitable for intermediate aquarists

• Great for community tanks

• Long lifespan with proper care

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Final Thoughts

Whether you're an intermediate aquarist or a seasoned fishkeeper looking for a visually stunning species, the Diamond Tetra delivers. Their glittering appearance and peaceful behavior make them a centerpiece in any freshwater setup. With a little care and attention, you'll have a school of fish that looks like it's swimming through stardust.