Diamond Tetra - Moenkhausia pittieri
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Details
Diamond Tetras (Moenkhausia pittieri) have a translucent body with a darker lateral line. The flanks shimmer with silvery scales under the light. Diamond Tetras' dorsal and anal fins will be tipped in white which become more noticeable as the fish matures in age.
Many tropical community aquariums are populated with tetras, rasboras and other similar schooling fish. Though these fish are rather small, their pleasant temperaments, the schooling behaviors they exhibit and a vast variety of colors and shapes make them popular in the hobby. They can grow anywhere from a few centimeters to a few inches, and can add movement to a freshwater fish tank. Most of these fish are fairly easy to care for and have similar water chemistry and care requirements.
Tetras are probably the the largest group of fish offered for community aquariums. They can be distinguished from other schooling community fish by the small adipose fin present between the dorsal fin and the tail. Tetras include small species that may stay under one inch in length and are suitable for community aquariums to much larger and more robust species that can grow up to several inches and need more aggressive tankmates.
These fish prefer aquariums with plenty plants and ornamentation to explore, but also need plenty of open space to swim. They can be fed commercial flakes, granules and small pellets as a staple diet, with occasional feedings of meaty frozen or freeze dried treats such as bloodworms, plankton, mysis or brine shrimp. They prefer to be kept in groups of six or more to school and feel secure. Fish not kept in proper schools may be stressed and remain hidden or may become extremely nippy and aggressive.
Specifications
Specifications | |
MPN | F90 0022 0523 |
Manufacturer | That Fish Place |
Common Name | Diamond Tetra |
Scientific Name | Moenkhausia pittieri |
Origin | South America |
Max Size (in inches) | 2.5 |
Community Safe | Yes |
pH Range | 6.0-7.0 |
Diet | Carnivore |
Min Tank Size (in gallons) | 20 |
Temperature Range | 75-82 |
Difficulty | Easy |
Internal Id | 19688 |
State Restrictions |
Alaska |
Armed Forces Americas |
Armed Forces Europe |
Armed Forces Pacific |
California |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico |
Instructions
Ratings & Reviews
2 reviews
Beautiful "diamond in the rough"
by Anon
I, personally, like the challenge of difficult single species tanks, so putting together a large (200g) community tank was a scary thought at the time... I started out with my oldest and most mature- highly understocked- 30g hospital tank with my community friendly "old men" gourami (I have had them for 3 years now). This was my first tetra school. I saw something about them, even though stressed out at the store under bad lighting they weren't that pretty- my friend told me I made a bad choice, should've gotten black skirt... They are in a 50g now, with my gourami and 3 (soon to be 5) yo yo loaches. I have 5 of them and with the some tlc they have become the most spectacular sight. As adults they have become gold dust looking with scarlet "eyelids" a shimmering see through black patch on the back and silver tipped fins... Same friend asked me to design her tank after she saw the end result.
Too Often Overlooked
by Tony
I have kept Diamond Tetras off and on for twenty years now and there are two things that are always true about them. First, they never look like much in the store. They are washed out and barely shine. Two, once they adjust to a tank (especially with darker backgrounds and gravel) they never fail to be eye-catching. The males get get longer dorsal fins that arc back down to their back, and both sexes shine and sparkle. They exhibit wonderful schooling behavior and I would never keep less than five, while 7 or 9 are even better. I have also "accidentally" raised more than ten young now by just letting nature take it's course in a 50 and a 75 gallon, decently planted tank. I only wish more aquarists would give them a try despite the way they always look in the store.