Diamond Tetra 'Moenkhausia pittieri'

The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) is a small, peaceful, and visually striking freshwater fish that originates from the rivers of Venezuela and Colombia in South America. Known for its brilliant iridescent scales that shimmer like diamonds, this species is a great addition to community aquariums. Below is a comprehensive care guide for the Diamond Tetra:

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Diamond Tetras. These fish are social and do best when kept in schools of 6 or more, which helps them feel secure.
• Aquarium Setup: Diamond Tetras are quite peaceful, but they thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. Plants, driftwood, and rocks can help simulate their natural environment. They are most comfortable in slightly dimmed lighting.
  • Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is ideal. You can also use a planted tank substrate if you're adding live plants.
  • Decor: They appreciate plants that provide cover, such as Java moss or Anubias. A well-scattered leaf litter or soft decorations like driftwood can also offer hiding spaces.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C). They prefer warm water but can tolerate slight variations within this range.
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
• Hardness: 2-15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
• Filtration: They prefer a gentle filter, as strong currents can stress them out. A sponge filter or a mild hang-on-back filter is often a good choice.
• Water Quality: Diamond Tetras are sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes (25-30% every 1-2 weeks) are essential to keep them healthy. Make sure ammonia and nitrite levels are 0 ppm, and nitrates stay below 20 ppm.

Diet

Diamond Tetras are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, both live and prepared. To keep them healthy and vibrant, it's important to provide a balanced diet.

• Primary Diet:
  • High-quality flake or pellet food formulated for small tropical fish.
  • Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are excellent protein sources.
  • Vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or spirulina flakes, should also be included occasionally to provide fiber.
• Feeding Tips: Feed in small amounts 1-2 times a day, and remove any uneaten food to avoid water contamination. Diamond Tetras are relatively small, so avoid overfeeding them.

Behavior and Social Structure

• Social Nature: Diamond Tetras are schooling fish, and they feel most comfortable when kept in groups of 6 or more. Keeping them in a school will help them display their natural behavior and reduce stress. A single Diamond Tetra will likely become skittish and reclusive.
• Activity Level: These fish are relatively active, often swimming in the mid to upper levels of the aquarium. They are peaceful and non-aggressive towards other species.
• Compatibility: They are great for community tanks with other peaceful fish. They do best with species that are not overly large or aggressive. Compatible tank mates include:
  • Small, peaceful fish like neon tetras, guppies, corydoras catfish, small rasboras, and dwarf gouramis.
  • Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish like cichlids or bettas, which may harass or harm them.

Breeding

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are typically smaller, slimmer, and more vibrant in color compared to females, who are slightly larger and rounder.
• Breeding Setup: To breed Diamond Tetras, set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (around pH 6.0). Provide fine-leaved plants like Java moss or spawning mops for the eggs.
• Spawning: The fish will scatter their eggs on plants or the substrate, and the eggs will hatch in about 2-3 days. The fry are tiny, so they will require infusoria or liquid fry food initially. Once they grow a bit, you can offer crushed flakes or small live foods like baby brine shrimp.
• Egg Care: Parents may eat the eggs, so it’s often best to remove them after spawning, or use a separate breeding tank. Keep the water clean and well-filtered.

Health and Common Issues

• Sensitive to Poor Water Quality: Diamond Tetras can become stressed and more susceptible to diseases if water quality is not properly maintained. Regular water changes are crucial.
• White Spot Disease (Ich): A common issue in aquarium fish, especially in new or stressed fish. The best prevention is maintaining optimal water parameters and not overcrowding the tank. If your fish are infected, treating with an aquarium-safe Ich medication and raising the water temperature slightly can help eliminate the parasite.
• Fin Rot and Other Bacterial Infections: Keeping your aquarium clean and feeding a varied, nutritious diet will help prevent these issues.
• Swim Bladder Disorder: Overfeeding or feeding improper foods can sometimes lead to swim bladder issues. To avoid this, feed appropriate portions and a varied diet.

Tank Maintenance and Care

• Regular Water Changes: Diamond Tetras are sensitive to water quality, so perform regular water changes to keep the water fresh and free of toxins.
• Filtration: Ensure you use a filter appropriate for their tank size but not too strong, as they prefer calm water. Sponge filters work well.
• Lighting: A moderate amount of lighting is suitable for these fish, as they come from slightly shaded rivers. Intense lighting can stress them, so use a gentle light that mimics natural conditions.

Lifespan

Diamond Tetras have a lifespan of around 3-5 years, although with proper care, they can sometimes live longer. Providing them with a stable, well-maintained environment and a good diet will help them reach their full potential.

Other Tips

• Temperament: Though peaceful, Diamond Tetras can sometimes become shy or less active if housed with overly boisterous or aggressive tank mates. They prefer calm, serene tank environments where they can swim peacefully.
• Tank Setup: They appreciate a tank with plenty of hiding spots and plants, as well as some open swimming space.

Summary

To sum up, Diamond Tetras (Moenkhausia pittieri) are beautiful, peaceful, and relatively easy to care for. They thrive in a well-planted tank with stable water conditions, a varied diet, and a school of their own kind. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the stunning colors and graceful behavior of Diamond Tetras for years in your aquarium.