The Glow Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its bright neon orange-red stripe running along the body. Ideal for community aquariums, it is an active schooling species.
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The Glow Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its bright neon orange-red stripe running along the body. Ideal for community aquariums, it is an active schooling species.
Small, slender body with a bright neon orange-red horizontal stripe from head to tail. Translucent silvery body enhances the glow. Adults grow up to 1.5 inches (3.5–4 cm).
3–5 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Glow Tetras are peaceful, visually appealing, and lively. Their neon stripe and active schooling behavior make them a captivating addition to planted and community aquariums.
Easy to Moderate — hardy if kept in proper schools and stable water conditions.
15 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.0
2–12 dGH
74–78°F (23–26°C)
1.5 inches (3.5–4 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 bully or eat them.
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Characidae
Essequibo River Basin, Guyana, South America
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Offer a balanced diet of flakes or micro-pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods for optimal coloration and health.
Egg scatterer. Spawns among 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 74–78°F / 23–26°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, fry become free-swimming in 4–5 days. Feed fry initially with infusoria, then gradually transition to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C), Hardness: 2–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality is poor or if not kept in sufficient school sizes.
Peaceful, schooling fish
Peaceful and schooling. Prefers mid-level tank areas. Active and social, best seen in groups to display natural synchronized schooling behavior.
Native to South America, particularly the Essequibo River basin in Guyana, the Glow Tetra is admired for its glowing orange-red stripe and peaceful schooling behavior. Best kept in groups of 6 or more, it adds a striking visual effect to planted community tanks. Prefers soft, slightly acidic water and moderate lighting. Suitable for beginner aquarists due to its hardy nature.