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Diamond TetraPittier's Tetra Family: Characidae - Sub-family: Tetragonopterinae
Considered the beauty of its genus due to the opalescent shine of its scales, the Diamond Tetra... sparkles like a diamond!With green and gold, or orange iridescents on its attractive silvery violet scales, the Diamond Tetra or Pittier's Tetra has a sparkling appearance. You must be patient to fully see this effect however, as this fish doesn't get all of its coloring until it is an adult. The Diamond Tetra likes soft peat filtered water with subdued lighting. Once it is established, this fish is extremely hardy and long-lived. It is a good community fish that is very peaceful, but it is also very active. Being on the go all day this fish gets hungry. It must be kept well fed or it may resort to munching on the aquarium plants. It is a good eater and as long as it is doesn't get hungry it will leave the plant decor alone.
For more Information on keeping this fish see:
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Distribution:
The Diamond Tetra, also known as the Pittier's Tetra, was described by Eigenmann in 1920. They are found in South America in the waters of Lake Valencia,
Rio Bue, Rio Tiquiriti, and in Venezuela where they feed on worms, crustaceans and insects.
Status:
The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.
Description:
The Diamond Tetra is a stockily built tetra species with a laterally compressed body. It has attractive silvery violet scales and they have green
and gold, or orange iridescents which give this fish a sparkling appearance. This 'diamond' effect is develops as it matures, so while it is a juvenile it is rather bland. The eye has a red spot on top.
Size - Weight:
These fish get up to 2.5 inches (6 cm).
Care and feeding:
Since they are omnivorous the Diamond Tetra or Pittier's Tetra will generally eat all kinds of live,
fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality
flake food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood
worms as a treat.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions:
Hardness: to 15° dGH
Ph: 5.5 to 7.5
Temp: (72-82° F) 26-28° C
Social Behaviors:
The Diamond Tetra or Pittier's Tetra are generally a good
community fish.
Sexual Differences:
The dorsal fin of the male is long and flowing. It is also
more pointed and is sickle shaped. The female becomes full bodied while
the male remains more slender.
Breeding/Reproduction:
Recommended conditions: less than 4° dGH. Start with a dark
tank and gradually increase the light level to induce spawning.
The Diamond Tetra or Pittier's Tetra are egg layers. They
are considered moderately easy to breed, with the biggest challenge being
getting proper pairs together. They must be paired with the same size
and age. Most breeding failures have been a result of mismatched pairs.
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See the description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.
Availability:
The Diamond Tetra or Pittier's Tetra is readily available.
Comments from people who have kept this fish:
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