Gold tetra - Hemigrammus rodwayi

Scientific name: Hemigrammus rodwayi

Common name: Gold tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 6 cm (1.57 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 15°N (71.43 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 28 °C (77 - 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

Food and Feeding

Gold Tetras are omnivores and require a balanced diet to maintain their vibrant coloration. Their staple food should be a high-quality flake or pellet, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, white worms, and daphnia. Providing a varied diet will enhance their natural gold sheen.

Origin

Gold Tetras originate from the Amazon Basin in South America, where they inhabit soft, acidic waters with dense vegetation.

Sexing

Males are more vibrantly colored than females and have a white tint on the front of their anal fin. Females tend to have a plumper body shape, though they do not swell with eggs as much as other tetras.

Breeding

Gold Tetras are more challenging to breed than other tetra species, but successful spawning is possible with the right conditions:

• Tank Setup: Use a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0 - 6.5).
• Substrate and Plants: Add fine-leaved plants such as Java moss to provide shelter for the eggs.
• Spawning Behavior: The female scatters eggs around the tank, and the eggs hatch within 5 days.
• Fry Care: The fry are very small; initially feed them Infusoria and gradually transition to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

With proper care, Gold Tetras have an expected lifespan of up to 3 years.

Suitable Tankmates

Gold Tetras are peaceful and do well in community tanks with similarly-sized, non-aggressive fish such as:

• Neon Tetras
• Honey Gouramis
• Corydoras Catfish
• Harlequin Rasboras

Recommended Plants

Since Gold Tetras originate from densely vegetated waters, adding live plants improves their comfort and mimics their natural habitat. Recommended plants include:

• Amazon Sword
• Java Moss
• Hornwort

Short Description

Gold Tetras (Hemigrammus rodwayi) are an attractive, peaceful species ideal for community aquariums. They shoal well and thrive in planted tanks with soft, acidic water. Their shimmering gold coloration comes from a natural slime coat, which may fade in poor water conditions. Keeping them in small groups and providing a nutritious diet will ensure their best appearance.

Pictures

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