Diamond Tetra Small

The aptly-named Diamond Tetra is a peaceful fish that matures to have shimmering, reflective scales and pastel hues, and males develop elegant fin extensions!

The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a peaceful, shining fish for the community aquarium.  At maturity, its distinctive coloration consists of shimmering, reflective scales and pastel hues.  Adult males also display very noticeable fin extensions. Females are generally more heavy-bodied.  The Diamond Tetra is very peaceful and it inhabits shallow, densely-vegetated waters in and around Lake Valencia in its native Venezuela.  

The Diamond Tetra typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well.   It is safe to keep with other peaceful, small fish as well as peaceful dwarf and Geophagus cichlids. Though it has a relatively robust, larger body than many smaller tetras, it has a very small mouth.  Adult dwarf shrimp are possibly safe tankmates as well, but adult Diamond Tetras may eat small dwarf shrimp and their fry.  Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates.  Since they are tank-bred, Diamond Tetras are fairly adaptable, but their natural habitat contains soft, acidic water rich in tannins and leaf litter. It does not like overly bright lighting and it requires plenty of decor in the aquarium.

While not a picky eater, the Diamond Tetra will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of meaty foods.  High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted.