Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) – A Complete Care Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

Characteristics

The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a stunning freshwater species, well-loved for its iridescent, shimmering scales that reflect light beautifully. These peaceful, schooling fish are perfect for community aquariums, adding both elegance and activity.

• Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri
• Common Name: Diamond Tetra
• Origin: South America (Venezuela, Lake Valencia Basin)
• Behavior: Peaceful, social, and schooling
• Tank Preferences: Prefers planted tanks with open swimming space
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 5.5 – 7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Temperature: 23°C – 28°C (73°F – 82°F)
• Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, making them great for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Origin and Distribution

Diamond Tetras are native to Venezuela, specifically Lake Valencia and its surrounding tributaries. They inhabit slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters, where their shimmering scales help them blend into their surroundings.

Colors and Markings

• Silvery base color with a brilliant diamond-like iridescence, reflecting shades of blue, green, and gold under good lighting.
• Red-tinted eyes, giving them a striking contrast.
• Longer, flowing fins, especially in mature males.
• Juveniles appear dull but develop their shimmer as they mature.

Tankmates and Compatibility

Diamond Tetras are peaceful schooling fish, ideal for community aquariums. Suitable tankmates include:

• Other Tetras (Rummy Nose Tetras, Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Gouramis (Dwarf Gourami, Honey Gourami)
• Small Rainbowfish
• Livebearers (Mollies, Platies, Swordtails)

Avoid keeping them with:

• Aggressive fish (Cichlids, Tiger Barbs, Betta Fish) – May stress or nip at their fins.
• Slow-moving, long-finned species – Their playful nature may lead to fin-nipping if not kept in a proper school.

Care Requirements

To ensure healthy and vibrant Diamond Tetras:

• Tank size: 20 gallons minimum, but a 30-gallon tank is ideal for a school.
• Schooling fish: Keep them in groups of at least 6-8 for confidence and natural behavior.
• Provide live plants (Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Sword) to mimic their natural habitat.
• Use driftwood and leaf litter to create a blackwater environment, enhancing their colors.
• Moderate to strong water flow, as they come from riverine environments.
• Regular water changes (25-30% per week) to maintain clean water and prevent disease.

Diet and Feeding

Diamond Tetras are omnivores, thriving on a varied diet to maintain their vibrant shimmer:

• High-quality flakes and micro-pellets (color-enhancing formulas recommended).
• Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms).
• Freeze-dried tubifex worms as an occasional treat.
• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) for fiber.

Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes.

Gender Differences

• Males: More colorful, with longer dorsal and anal fins.
• Females: Slightly smaller, with a rounder belly, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding Diamond Tetras

Diamond Tetras are egg scatterers, meaning they lay eggs in plants without parental care. To breed them successfully:

• Set up a separate breeding tank (10-20 gallons) with fine-leaved plants (Java Moss, spawning mops).
• Maintain soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0 – 6.5, temp 26°C – 28°C / 79°F – 82°F).
• Condition breeding pairs with a diet of live and frozen foods.
• Remove parents after spawning, as they may eat the eggs.
• Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours, and fry become free-swimming in 4-5 days.
• Fry should be fed infusoria or crushed flakes until large enough for baby brine shrimp.

Common Health Issues

Diamond Tetras are hardy, but they can suffer from:

• Ich (White Spot Disease) – Treated with aquarium salt and increased temperature.
• Fin Rot and Bacterial Infections – Caused by poor water quality; requires antibiotics.
• Stress-related diseases – Prevented by keeping them in proper school sizes and maintaining stable water conditions.

To prevent illness, maintain clean water, stable temperatures, and a varied diet.

Additional Resources

For more information on tetra care and breeding, check out:

• The Tetra Handbook by David Alderton
• Aquarium forums like Fishlore and Tropical Fish Keeping
• YouTube channels such as Aquarium Co-Op and MD Fish Tanks

Final Thoughts

The Diamond Tetra is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for, and active schooling fish, making it perfect for community aquariums. Their brilliant diamond-like sheen, peaceful temperament, and energetic swimming behavior make them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. With proper care, they can live up to 5-8 years.