White Spot Tetra
Megalamphodus megalopterus
Description
The White Spot Tetra is a small, attractive species known for its delicate appearance and peaceful nature. The body of this tetra is slender and elongated, displaying a translucent silver color. The most distinctive feature is the prominent white or pale spot that is present on its dorsal fin and at the base of the tail, which gives it its common name. The fish’s fins are generally transparent with a slight shimmer, and the tail fin often has a pale yellowish tint. Males tend to have more vibrant colors compared to females, especially during the breeding season.
Habitat Origin
Native to the freshwater rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, specifically in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They are found in clear, slow-moving waters with moderate flow, often in densely vegetated areas. In the wild, they live among submerged plants and roots, where they can find food and hiding spots. These fish thrive in warm, well-oxygenated waters and prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
White Spot Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. They can be fed high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They also enjoy small plant matter and algae, so incorporating vegetable-based foods like spirulina or blanched zucchini into their diet will benefit them. A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.
Behavior:
White Spot Tetras are peaceful, social, and active fish that thrive in schools. They are often seen darting around the middle to upper regions of the tank, exhibiting natural schooling behavior. They are not fin-nippers and will generally get along with other peaceful species. When kept in schools, their social behavior becomes more noticeable, as they swim together in coordinated movements. These fish are active during the day but tend to become slightly less active in the evening. They are ideal for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.
Special Care:
White Spot Tetras are easy to care for but thrive best in stable water conditions. Regular water changes and good filtration are important to maintain water quality. They prefer a tank with live plants or hiding spots, such as rocks and driftwood, where they can feel secure and retreat if necessary. Maintaining slightly acidic to neutral water conditions will help them thrive. These fish are hardy but may lose their vibrant colors or become stressed if housed in poor water quality or with incompatible tankmates.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, White Spot Tetras are compatible with many other peaceful species. They can be housed with small tetras, rasboras, peaceful cichlids, and other non-aggressive fish. They are also compatible with snails and shrimp. Larger, aggressive species should be avoided, as they may intimidate or prey on the tetras. A peaceful community tank with other small, non-aggressive fish is ideal for White Spot Tetras.
Breeding Tank Setup
Establishing a separate breeding tank for White Spot Tetras is highly recommended to control environmental conditions effectively and protect eggs and fry from predation. A 40-liter (10-gallon) aquarium is ideal for accommodating a breeding pair or small group while maintaining stable water quality. These fish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5), temperatures between 24°C and 28°C (75°F–82°F), and soft to moderately hard water (5–12 dGH). Gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter or internal filter with low water flow, prevents stressful currents and supports calm spawning conditions. Provide fine substrates like sand or smooth gravel, complemented with live plants like Java moss, Hornwort, Anubias, and floating plants such as duckweed or water sprite to mimic their natural environment. Moderate lighting replicates their dimly lit habitats and helps reduce stress during spawning.
Conditioning for Breeding
Conditioning White Spot Tetras involves providing them with a varied, high-protein diet to optimize breeding readiness. Feed them quality tetra pellets alongside live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and frozen options like mysis shrimp. Regular small water changes (approximately 25% weekly) are crucial to maintain pristine water conditions, stimulating spawning behaviors and ensuring overall fish health.
Spawning Process
White Spot Tetras exhibit egg-scattering spawning behavior, with males actively courting females through vibrant color displays and energetic chasing. Females typically scatter between 30 and 100 sticky eggs onto surfaces such as plants, rocks, or aquarium walls, with males fertilizing the eggs immediately. Post-spawning, promptly removing adult fish from the breeding tank is essential to prevent predation of eggs, as White Spot Tetras do not provide parental care and might consume their own eggs or fry if left unattended.
Fry Care
Eggs hatch within 24–48 hours, influenced by water temperature. Initially, fry depend on their yolk sacs before becoming free-swimming. Once the fry start swimming actively, provide small foods like infusoria, microscopic algae, or specialized liquid fry foods. After several days, transition them to baby brine shrimp or other suitable live foods, gradually introducing finely crushed flakes or pellets as they grow. Excellent water quality is critical; daily water changes of around 10–15%, stable temperatures (24°C–28°C), and regular monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are vital for healthy fry growth and survival.
Important Breeding Notes
White Spot Tetras typically reach sexual maturity between 6 to 12 months of age. Ensuring fish are fully mature before breeding significantly increases successful spawning outcomes. Males are distinguished by smaller, slimmer bodies and vibrant coloration, especially visible bright spots during courtship, whereas females are generally larger, rounder, and paler, especially when gravid with eggs. Stress reduction is crucial; maintain calm tank conditions, avoid overcrowding, and prevent aggressive interactions or sudden environmental changes. Such proactive management ensures higher rates of successful breeding and fry survival.