Glowlight Tetra: Species Profile

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Hemigrammus erythrozonus
• Family: Characidae
• Origin: Guyana, South America
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish
• Tank Level: Middle regions
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Breeding Method: Egg layer
• Care Level: Beginner-friendly
• Preferred pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: Up to 15 dGH
• Temperature Range: 74 to 82°F (23 to 28°C)

Origin and Distribution

The Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) is native to the Essequibo River in Guyana, South America. In the wild, they inhabit dark, tannin-rich waters with dense vegetation, providing ample hiding spots and a subdued lighting environment.

Colors and Markings

Glowlight Tetras are characterized by a translucent silver body adorned with a distinctive iridescent orange-red stripe running from the snout through the eye to the base of the tail. This vibrant stripe resembles a glowing filament, giving the fish its common name. Their fins are generally transparent, with the dorsal fin often exhibiting a hint of the same orange-red hue.

Tankmates

Due to their peaceful nature, Glowlight Tetras are excellent additions to community aquariums. Compatible tankmates include:

• Other small, peaceful tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Small rasboras
• Dwarf gouramis
• Peaceful loaches like kuhli loaches

It’s advisable to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species that may exhibit territorial behavior or view them as prey.

Care

Glowlight Tetras are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Key care considerations include:

• Tank Setup: Provide a well-planted aquarium with open areas for swimming. Incorporate driftwood and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots. A dark substrate can enhance their coloration.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions within the preferred ranges. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.
• Group Size: Keep them in groups of at least six to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Diet and Feeding

As omnivores, Glowlight Tetras thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flake or micro-pellet foods formulated for tropical fish.
• Supplements: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer small amounts multiple times a day, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Gender Differences

Females are generally slightly larger and have a rounder abdomen, especially when carrying eggs, while males tend to be more slender.

Breeding

Breeding Glowlight Tetras in captivity is achievable with proper conditions:

• Breeding Tank: Set up a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a temperature around 77°F (25°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg deposition.
• Spawning: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. The female will scatter eggs among the plants, and the male will fertilize them.
• Post-Spawning: Remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. Eggs typically hatch within 24 to 36 hours.
• Fry Care: Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Further Research

For more detailed information on Glowlight Tetra care, breeding techniques, and tank setups, consider exploring specialized aquarium literature or consulting with experienced aquarists.

FAQ

How long do Glowlight Tetras live? With proper care, they can live between 2 to 4 years.

Can Glowlight Tetras be kept with shrimp? Yes, they are generally safe to keep with small, peaceful shrimp species.

Do Glowlight Tetras require a heater? Yes, maintaining a stable temperature within their preferred range is essential for their health.