Why aren't my Diamond Tetras sparkling?

Juvenile Diamond Tetras are usually a plain silver colour. They require maturity, a high-quality varied diet, and proper environmental conditions (like a planted tank with somewhat subdued lighting) to develop their characteristic iridescence.

Are Diamond Tetras fin nippers?

They are not inherently aggressive fin nippers, but like many active tetras, they can become nippy if they are bored or stressed. Keeping them in a shoal of at least 6 (preferably 8-10) ensures they direct their energy toward each other rather than tankmates.

Can I keep Diamond Tetras with Angelfish?

This can be done with caution in a large aquarium. However, Diamond Tetras are very active and fast swimmers, which might stress the more sedate Angelfish. There is also a slight risk of the tetras nipping the Angelfish's trailing fins.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Mature males are visibly larger, deeper-bodied, and have significantly longer, flowing dorsal and anal fins compared to females. Males also tend to exhibit brighter sparkling colouration.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Diamond Tetra

Moenkhausia pittieri

A stunning, active schooling fish known for its sparkling, iridescent scales and the spectacular flowing fins developed by mature males.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.2
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 5 – 6 cm
80cm tank length: 80 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Densely planted aquarium with open swimming spaces and subdued lighting.

About the Diamond Tetra

The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a captivating freshwater species originating from Venezuela. Named for the brilliant, diamond-like iridescence that covers its flanks, this tetra transforms from a relatively plain juvenile into a spectacular adult. As they mature, males develop elongated, flowing dorsal and anal fins, putting on impressive lateral sparring displays to establish hierarchy and attract females. Their dynamic nature and shimmering appearance make them a fantastic focal point for a planted aquarium.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Diamond Tetra comes from

Native range

South America, Lake Valencia basin

Countries / regions

Venezuela

Habitat

Shallow, slow-moving, vegetated waters of rivers and tributaries feeding into Lake Valencia.

Wild populations are threatened by severe pollution and habitat degradation around Lake Valencia; almost all aquarium specimens are commercially bred.

Similar species

Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Redeye Tetra
Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that occupy a different area of the tank, avoiding any competition for swimming space.
Great
Rummy-nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Similar in size and temperament; they will comfortably share the mid-water zone in a large enough aquarium.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
An excellent algae-eating companion that shares the same water parameters and ignores mid-water fish.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Diamond Tetras are fast swimmers that may outcompete Angelfish for food, and there is a slight risk of fin-nipping if the tetra shoal is too small.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large, predatory cichlids will easily swallow adult Diamond Tetras.
Not recommended

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