Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)
 
The Diamond Tetra is a sparkling South American tetra that shimmers with silvery scales and hints of violet, gold, and green. When mature, the scales reflect light like tiny diamonds, giving the fish its name. Peaceful and hardy, they are excellent schooling fish for community aquariums.
 
Care Sheet
Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri
Common Name: Diamond Tetra
Origin: Northern Venezuela – Lake Valencia and nearby waterways
Max Size: 5–6 cm
Lifespan: 3–6 years
Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling
 
Aquarium Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 80 litres
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 5–12 dGH
Aquascape: Planted tank with open swimming space; darker substrates and subdued lighting enhance colours
 
Diet
Omnivorous; accepts flakes, micro-pellets, live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
A mixed diet helps intensify colouration and condition them for breeding.
 
Compatibility
Keep in groups of 6 or more for natural schooling behaviour.
Peaceful; ideal tankmates include tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, and small gouramis.
Avoid aggressive or much larger fish that may harass or eat them.
 
Breeding
Egg scatterer with no parental care.
Requires soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
Adults should be removed after spawning to protect eggs.
Fry start with infusoria, later baby brine shrimp.
 
Summary: A dazzling, peaceful schooling tetra with reflective “diamond-like” scales. Hardy and well-suited to community aquariums, especially when kept in groups and provided with planted surroundings.