Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Glowlight Tetra
The glowlight tetra is a subtle, elegant fish from the Essequibo River in Guyana. Its translucent, peach-tinted body features a single iridescent orange-red stripe that runs from nose to tail, appearing to glow under aquarium lighting, particularly in dimly lit tanks. The effect is reminiscent of a glowing filament, which gives the species its common name. Glowlight tetras are among the most peaceful and unassuming of all tetra species, making them perfect companions for other gentle fish and shrimp. They are a classic choice for small, peaceful community setups and planted tanks where their warm, luminous stripe adds a touch of living light.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 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 glowlight tetras in schools of at least six in soft, slightly acidic water at 74-82°F. They are at their most beautiful under subdued lighting with a dark substrate and background, which makes their glowing stripe appear even more vivid. Pair them with other small, peaceful species like other tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. They accept all standard aquarium foods readily, including flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen foods. Glowlight tetras are hardy and undemanding once established, though like most tetras they are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite spikes. A well-maintained, mature tank brings out the best in these understated gems.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Glowlight Tetra
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Tank Mates for Glowlight 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
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Glowlight Tetra need?
A Glowlight Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Glowlight Tetra need?
Glowlight Tetra thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Are Glowlight Tetra easy to care for?
Glowlight Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Glowlight Tetra get and what do they eat?
Glowlight Tetra reach about 1.5 inches and are omnivores. Keep glowlight tetras in schools of at least six in soft, slightly acidic water at 74-82°F. They are at their most beautiful under subdued lighting with a dark substrate and background, which makes their glowing stripe appear even more vivid. Pair them with other small, peaceful species like other tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. They accept all standard aquarium foods readily, including flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen foods. Glowlight tetras are hardy and undemanding once established, though like most tetras they are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite spikes. A well-maintained, mature tank brings out the best in these understated gems.