The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish admired for its sparkling, diamond-like scales and subtle red accents on its fins. It is a schooling fish that adds shimmer and elegance to community aquariums.
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The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish admired for its sparkling, diamond-like scales and subtle red accents on its fins. It is a schooling fish that adds shimmer and elegance to community aquariums.
Slender body with silver, reflective scales. Fins are slightly translucent with a hint of red at the edges. Adults reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
5–7 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Diamond Tetras are an elegant and sparkling addition to any community aquarium. Their metallic scales and peaceful schooling make them a visually captivating and harmonious species for planted tanks.
Moderate — requires clean, stable water and proper schooling to maintain health and behavior.
20 gallons (for a school of 8+)
6.0 to 7.0
2–12 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C)
2 inches (5 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, small livebearers, dwarf gouramis, and peaceful shrimp/snails.
Avoid aggressive or much larger fish that may harass or eat them, such as cichlids, tiger barbs, or large bettas.
Moenkhausia pittieri
Characidae
Venezuela, South America
Highly social schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 8 or more to encourage natural synchronized swimming.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Offer a variety of flakes or micro-pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods to enhance coloration and health.
Egg scatterer. Spawning occurs in fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults should be removed after spawning to prevent predation of eggs.
Requires a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5, temperature 78–82°F / 25–28°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming in 4–5 days. Feed fry with infusoria first, then transition to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C), Hardness: 2–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Susceptible to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality declines or if kept in inadequate school sizes.
Peaceful, active schooling fish
Peaceful and schooling. Exhibits natural synchronized swimming when kept in groups. Prefers mid-level tank areas with open swimming space and plants for cover.
Native to Venezuela, the Diamond Tetra is prized for its metallic sheen and elegant appearance. Its shimmering scales reflect light beautifully, giving it a diamond-like sparkle in well-lit aquariums. This species is best kept in schools of 8 or more to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress. Diamond Tetras thrive in planted tanks with gentle water flow and stable water parameters, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.