The Head and Tail Light Tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its striking reflective spots on the head and base of the tail. It is an active schooling fish, ideal for community aquariums.
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The Head and Tail Light Tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its striking reflective spots on the head and base of the tail. It is an active schooling fish, ideal for community aquariums.
Slender silver body with a black lateral line running from the head to the tail. Notable reflective spots on the head and base of the tail give it a shimmering 'head and tail light' appearance. Adults reach 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 daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
Head and Tail Light Tetras are peaceful, visually captivating, and lively fish for community aquariums. Their distinctive reflective spots and schooling behavior make them a fascinating addition to planted tanks.
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
75–80°F (24–27°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 harass or eat them. Long-finned species may also be nipped.
Hemigrammus ocellifer
Characidae
Amazon Basin, 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. Provide a balanced diet of flakes or micro-pellets supplemented with live/frozen foods to enhance coloration and maintain overall health.
Egg scatterer. Spawns among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults do not guard eggs and should be removed after spawning to prevent predation.
Requires a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5, temperature 76–80°F / 24–27°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 initially with infusoria, then gradually transition to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 6.0–7.0, Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C), Hardness: 2–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Susceptible to ich, fin rot, and stress-related illnesses if water quality is poor or if kept in insufficient numbers.
Peaceful, social schooling fish
Peaceful, active schooling fish. Prefers mid-level tank areas and enjoys planted spaces with open swimming areas. Schooling behavior reduces stress and promotes natural activity.
Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, the Head and Tail Light Tetra is valued for its subtle yet striking reflective spots that give it a shimmering appearance in the aquarium. Best kept in schools of 6 or more, it exhibits natural synchronized schooling behavior and is peaceful toward other community fish. Prefers soft, slightly acidic water and a planted tank environment with gentle water flow. This species is suitable for beginner and intermediate aquarists.