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Maximum size : 6 cm
Diamond Tetra - Moenkhausia pittieri : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Diamond Tetra, (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a stunning addition to any aquarium with its visually appealing colours and peaceful shoaling nature. While they can tolerate hard water, it is best to keep them in soft to medium water conditions for optimal health. Despite their excellent shoaling abilities these Tetras have a propensity to nibble on the fins of elaborate fish like Guppies, Angels and Siamese Fighters. Therefore, it is best to keep them with fish of similar size and temperament, such as Livebearers, Danios, Rasboras, and peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras and Plecos. They can also be great tank mates with most commonly available Gouramis and Dwarf Cichlids. The rounded shape and size of the adult Diamond Tetra also make it an ideal dither for non-aggressive Cichlids such as Geophagus and Discus. To achieve the ideal living conditions for your Diamond Tetras, they should be kept in an aquarium with dense plants, a dark substrate and dim lighting. An Amazonian biotope with driftwood branches, twisted roots and dried leaves would also provide an ideal environment for these Tetras. The Diamond Tetra 's distinguishable features include purple dorsal and anal fins, a silver body, and a noticeable red mark above the pupil of the eye, with a dark stripe running down the midline of the body. These Tetras ' namesake is attributed to their striking and iridescent scales that produce a shimmering effect along their flanks.\r\nDiamond Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing male from female Diamond Tetras is relatively easy. Males exhibit a more pronounced dorsal fin than females, and their lower anal fin features a distinctive hook-like shape. Moreover, mature females are generally rounder and display less vibrancy than their male counterparts. Additionally, the scales of the male Diamond Tetras are more reflective compared to the scales of the female.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Moenkhausia pittieri |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1920 |
| Other Names | Diamond Characin |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Moenkhausia |
| Origins | Venezuela |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| KH | 4 - 8 |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23.9 - 27.8 |
