Diamond tetra - Moenkhausia pittieri

Scientific name: Moenkhausia pittieri

Common name: Diamond tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5.5 - 7

Recommended water hardness: 5 - 12°N (89.29 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

The Diamond tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri; often placed in Makunaima) is a peaceful, shimmering characin endemic to the Lake Valencia basin in Venezuela, inhabiting slow, leaf-littered streams and vegetated backwaters. Adults reach ~5–6 cm and look best in a proper shoal of 8–10 . Males develop noticeably elongated dorsal/anal fins and stronger iridescence as they mature.

Food & Feeding

Omnivorous micro-predator. Use quality micro-flakes or small sinking granules as staple, and rotate frozen/live foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, finely chopped bloodworms) for color and condition. A little vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched greens) is beneficial. Feed small portions 1–2× daily to protect water quality.

Sexing

Males are slimmer with much longer dorsal (and often anal) fins and brighter sheen; females are deeper-bodied, especially when gravid.

Breeding

An egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. Use a small, dim breeding tank with very soft, acidic water, fine plants/spawning mops or marbles, and keep it dark—tetra eggs are light-sensitive. Remove adults post-spawn. Eggs typically hatch in ~24–36 hours; fry are free-swimming a few days later. Start with infusoria/liquid fry food, then Artemia nauplii.

Lifespan

Commonly 3–5 years with clean, stable water and low stress.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Tank size: long tank of at least 60–75 cm length for a group; larger volumes stabilize water.
Water: aim for soft, slightly acidic conditions: pH ~5.5–7.0, hardness ~5–12 °dH, temperature 24–28 °C (75–82 °F). Keep nitrate very low.
Aquascape & light: dark substrate, wood/leaf litter and robust planting; floating plants to diffuse light (they dislike bright lighting). Gentle flow, high oxygen.
Maintenance: small, frequent water changes; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful shoaler. Works well with other small, calm fishes that enjoy soft water (small rasboras/pencils, peaceful dwarf cichlids, small Corydoras). Avoid very long-finned or very slow species if your group is small or under-occupied.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Active mid-water schooler that flashes between open lanes and cover; provide both open swimming space and shaded retreats.

Short Description

Diamond tetras are sparkling Venezuelan characins from the Lake Valencia basin. Keep them in groups in soft, slightly acidic, dimly lit aquaria; feed varied micro-foods. Breeding is achievable in very soft, darkened setups, with eggs hatching in about a day. Note: wild populations are considered threatened; trade fish are typically captive-bred.

Q&A

Where are they from? The Lake Valencia (Venezuela) basin; slow, vegetated, leaf-littered waters.
How many should I keep? At least 8–10 to reduce skittishness and show schooling.
Do they like bright light? Not really—use floating plants/shade for best color and confidence.
Eggs light-sensitive? Yes—darkness improves hatch rates; eggs typically hatch in ~24–36 h.