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Contents
Overview
The diamond tetra is a deep-bodied characin whose scales, as it matures, become covered in silver, blue and violet flecks that sparkle like glitter under the light. Adult males grow a tall, sail-like dorsal fin and white-edged fins. Juveniles in stores look plain: the shimmer only develops after a few months.
It is native to the Lake Valencia basin in Venezuela, a heavily degraded habitat; fortunately, the fish in the trade are captive-bred. It is calm, hardy and long-lived for a tetra, and it looks stunning in a large planted tank with moderate lighting. It is ideal for anyone who wants an elegant tetra a little larger than the usual choices.
Care and tank setup
For a school of eight, plan on about 26 gallons (100 L), so a standard 29-gallon tank at least 30 inches (75 cm) long is ideal. Use a cycled tank, gentle to moderate filtration and a heater.
- Decor: plenty of plants, driftwood and open swimming areas. The sparkle stands out far more against a dark background with side lighting or light filtered through floating plants.
- Water: soft to medium water is preferred, but they adapt well. Regular water changes matter most: high nitrate dulls their shine.
- Tank mates: excellent with other tetras, corydoras, small plecos, rasboras, peaceful gouramis and dwarf cichlids.
Males display and spar with one another, harmlessly if the group is large enough and includes females. The odd individual may nip very long, slow fins now and then, so keep an eye on things if you add a betta.
Feeding
An easy omnivore to feed. Use quality flakes and pellets as a base, with live or frozen foods (mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia) a few times a week. Some spirulina-based food rounds out the diet, and they may nibble very tender leaves. A rich, varied diet is what lets males develop their full sparkle and finnage.
Breeding
An egg scatterer that spreads its eggs over fine-leaved plants and moss without guarding them. Breed it in a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water, dim light and a well-conditioned pair or trio. Remove the adults after spawning, since they eat the eggs. Fry are free-swimming within a few days and need infusoria, followed by baby brine shrimp.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Diamond tetra. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Bronze cory Corydoras aeneus 21 gal (80 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Amano shrimp Caridina multidentata 11 gal (40 L) · 64–82 °F (18–28 °C) 
Cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi 5 gal (20 L) · 64–81 °F (18–27 °C) 
Dwarf gourami Trichogaster lalius 16 gal (60 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Otocinclus catfish Otocinclus vestitus 16 gal (60 L) · 70–79 °F (21–26 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Diamond tetra, and why.
- Clown loach: one may eat the other due to size
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Diamond tetra healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Diamond tetra need?
At least about 100 liters for a group of at least 8 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Diamond tetra need?
Between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Diamond tetra?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Bristlenose pleco, Betta fish, Bronze cory, Guppy and Cherry barb. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Diamond tetra be kept with shrimp?
Yes: it usually won’t eat adult shrimp, though some shrimplets may get picked off. A tank with plenty of moss gives the babies cover.
