Diamond Tetra – Moenkhausia pittieri
The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a beautiful freshwater schooling fish known for its shimmering silver body, iridescent sparkle, and peaceful temperament. Under aquarium lighting, mature Diamond Tetras can reflect light beautifully, giving them a jewel-like appearance in planted aquariums.
This peaceful tetra is a great choice for community tanks, aquascapes, and planted freshwater setups. When kept in a proper group, Diamond Tetras display active schooling behavior while adding subtle color, movement, and elegance to the aquarium.
Key Features
- Iridescent silver body that sparkles under aquarium lighting
- Peaceful freshwater schooling fish
- Larger tetra species with elegant movement
- Great for planted aquariums and community tanks
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Beautiful contrast against live plants and darker backgrounds
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Moenkhausia pittieri
- Common Name: Diamond Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1–2 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Diamond Tetras?
Diamond Tetras are prized for their shimmering, reflective coloration that becomes more impressive as they mature. Their peaceful nature and graceful schooling behavior make them a standout choice for planted aquariums and community displays.
They are especially attractive in aquariums with moderate lighting, live plants, driftwood, and open swimming space. A group of 6 or more helps reduce stress and brings out their best color and behavior.
Ideal Tank Setup
Diamond Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with live plants, open swimming space, and gentle to moderate filtration. Driftwood, darker backgrounds, and planted areas can help them feel secure while highlighting their iridescent bodies.
Because Diamond Tetras are a slightly larger tetra species, a 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a proper group. Maintain clean water with regular maintenance and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Dwarf cichlids with caution
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful livebearers
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Diamond Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support healthy color, activity, and long-term condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space with planted areas for cover
- Use moderate lighting to highlight their shimmer
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Diamond Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. Diamond Tetras are excellent for planted aquariums, where their shimmering bodies stand out beautifully against live plants and darker backgrounds.
How many Diamond Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Diamond Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Diamond Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm community aquariums with similarly sized tankmates.
How big do Diamond Tetras get?
Diamond Tetras typically reach approximately 2–2.5 inches as adults, making them slightly larger than many common tetra species.
What do Diamond Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and color.
Are Diamond Tetras beginner-friendly?
Yes. They are manageable for beginners when kept in a cycled aquarium with stable water conditions and a proper group.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Diamond Tetras are peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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