Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
Minimum Tank
20 Gallons
Adult Size
2.5 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Diamond Tetra
The diamond tetra is a shimmering gem of the freshwater world, native to Lake Valencia and its surrounding waters in Venezuela. Its scales are covered in a reflective, diamond-like sparkle that flashes brilliantly under light, particularly as the fish matures. Males develop impressively elongated dorsal fins that they display proudly during courtship and territorial disputes. The body has a warm, golden-olive base color that serves as the perfect canvas for its sparkling scales. Diamond tetras are peaceful, mid-water schooling fish that bring a touch of understated luxury to community aquariums. Unfortunately, they are increasingly rare in their native habitat due to pollution and habitat degradation.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 20-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep diamond tetras in groups of at least six in a tank of 20 gallons or more. They prefer soft to moderately hard water at 75-82°F with good filtration and regular water changes. Their sparkling coloring intensifies with age and under the right conditions, so be patient with young specimens. Provide a mix of open swimming areas and planted sections. Males may display and spar gently but rarely cause harm. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen and live foods for the best growth and color development. They are generally hardy and adapt well to a range of conditions.
Quick Facts
76L
Min Tank (20gal)
6cm
Adult Size (2.5")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Diamond Tetra
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Tank Mates for Diamond Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
easy · 30+ gal
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
moderate · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Diamond Tetra need?
A Diamond Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (76 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Diamond Tetra need?
Diamond Tetra thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Diamond Tetra easy to care for?
Diamond Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Diamond Tetra get and what do they eat?
Diamond Tetra reach about 2.5 inches and are omnivores. Keep diamond tetras in groups of at least six in a tank of 20 gallons or more. They prefer soft to moderately hard water at 75-82°F with good filtration and regular water changes. Their sparkling coloring intensifies with age and under the right conditions, so be patient with young specimens. Provide a mix of open swimming areas and planted sections. Males may display and spar gently but rarely cause harm. Feed quality flakes and pellets supplemented with frozen and live foods for the best growth and color development. They are generally hardy and adapt well to a range of conditions.