Pittier's Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)

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Pittier's Tetra

Diamondtetra345.jpg
Pittier's Tetra

Moenkhausia pittieri

57 Litres (15 US G.)

5.1-7.1cm (2-2.8 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 7.0

24 -28 °C (75.2-82.4°F)

5-12 °d

1:2 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Characidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Diamond Tetra, Pittier's Tetra

Additional scientific names

Opisthanodus haerteli


Origin

South America; Lake Valencia basin in Venezuela.


Sexing

Males have more elongated fins, especially the dorsal fin, than that of the females.


Tank compatibility

A generally peaceful community fish, keep in groups of 6 or more. Do not keep with nippy fish such as Tiger Barbs.


Diet

Will take most foods including pellets and flake as well as live/frozen food such as bloodworm and brine shrimp.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Appreciates a densely planted tank with cover to hide and some open swimming space. Does best in acidic or peat-filtered water.


Behaviour

A peaceful active shoaling fish.


Identification

The Diamond Tetra has elongated fins which are generally translucent in colour. The body is oval shaped and green to silver, similar in body shape to the Serpae Tetra. It gets its name from the shimmering scales that develop when mature. In reflected light the scales can have a violet to gold iridescence. The upper part of the iris is red to orange.

Pictures

Videos

External links