Profile Photo
Maximum size : 4 cm
Gold Tetra - Hemigrammus rodwayi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Gold Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi) is a stunning and peaceful fish that can make a beautiful addition to your aquarium. These tetras are hardy and relatively easy to care for, but they are not as commonly available as some of the more popular and colorful tetra species. If you' re lucky enough to find them, though, they are definitely worth considering for your community or planted tank. In order to bring out the best in these fish, it' s important to keep them in a school with their own kind as well as other small fish. This will help them feel more secure and will allow them to display their stunning gold coloring to its fullest potential. One of the most fascinating things about the Gold Tetra is its unique skin layer that defends it against trematode parasites. This gives the fish its distinctive golden coloration, as if it' s been dusted with gold. However, it also makes this species more susceptible to skin parasites and diseases than many other Tetras, so it' s not recommended for beginners. In addition to their beautiful appearance, Gold Tetras also have excellent hearing and can quickly detect any disturbances in the water. Overall, these Tetras are a fantastic choice for any aquarium enthusiast looking to add a touch of elegance to their tank.Gold Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Male and female Gold Tetras can be differentiated based on their physical characteristics. The female is larger, duller in color, and has a more rounded belly. On the other hand, the male' s anal fin is distinguished by a white leading edge and has a greater amount of red pigmentation compared to the female.\r\nQuick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hemigrammus rodwayi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1909 |
| Other Names | Golden Tetra, Brass Tetra |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hemigrammus |
| Origins | Guyana Suriname Peru Brazil |
| Max Size | 4 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 1 - 15 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23.9 - 27.8 |
Natural habitat
The Gold Tetras are fascinating little fish that originate from a vast area of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. They thrive in a variety of aquatic environments, including slow-moving rivers, tributaries, coastal creeks, and floodplain lakes. In some cases, they even inhabit mildly brackish waters. These habitats are typically characterized by warm, tropical climates, and abundant vegetation, providing the perfect environment for these beautiful fish to thrive.How to breed the Gold Tetra
Breeding Gold Tetras in captivity has been successful, although there is a common issue where the young lose their gold pigmentation. To breed these fish, a group of 12 consisting of six males and six females should be gathered and fed with small live nourishments, allowing nature to take its course and spawning to occur. The female will lay her eggs on plants or moss in the breeding tank, which should be softly lit and have a sheet of mesh at the bottom or clumps of plants, moss, or spawning mops to collect the eggs. A breeding tank that is separate from the main tank should be used to increase the fry' s yield. The water in the breeding tank should be soft and acidic, and the temperature should be raised slightly. A small air-driven sponge filter can provide sufficient filtration, and the water can be filtered through aquarium-safe peat. Once a successful spawn has been accomplished, the parents should be removed to prevent the fry from being consumed. Eggs will hatch around 24 to 36 hours later, and the fry will become free-swimming 3 to 4 days after that. Infusoria-type nourishments should be fed to the fry for the first few days until they are big enough to accept microworms, nauplii, or brine shrimp. It is crucial to provide the fry with an environment that is as dark as possible during the early stages as they are sensitive to light.Diet & feeding
To maintain a balanced diet, the Gold Tetra can consume various types of food. However, it is important to offer them a high-quality flake food as a staple diet every day. As a treat, you can provide them with frozen or live foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. It is crucial to be mindful of the amount of food provided during feeding time. Offer only what the fish can consume in a few minutes and remove any excess food. These fish tend to overeat if given the chance, so careful monitoring during feeding time is necessary to avoid any complications.Other Tetras you maybe interested in
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
Freshwater
104 Tetras Profiles
View All