Diamond Tetra

The diamond tetra is recognized by the large scales covering its body, which reflect light and sparkle like diamonds. It is deep-bodied with silvery-purple tones, and the upper part of the eye is red. As males mature, their dorsal and anal fins lengthen and ripple like a veil. Juveniles look plain in the store; the real sparkle appears as the fish mature.

Its natural habitat, Lake Valencia, has been affected by pollution and changes in water level; the fish sold in the trade are largely farm-bred. It is a hardy and calm species.

It lives in planted shoreline areas of Lake Valencia in northern Venezuela and the streams that flow into the lake.

• Volume: at least 100 liters for a group of 6–10; 80 cm of length.
• Water: 24–27°C, pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
• Light: the sparkle of the scales shows best under light coming from the side or above; partial shade can be provided with floating plants.
• Decor: planted edges and a large open swimming area.
• Maintenance: a 25% water change every week; moderate flow is tolerated.

Omnivorous. Alongside flakes and granules, give frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. It also accepts foods containing spirulina and the occasional blanched vegetable. Some individuals may pick at soft plant shoots.

A peaceful, calm species. Males put on harmless displays with each other. It is reported to nip fins occasionally when kept with long-finned species; a large group reduces this risk.

Good companions: medium-sized tetras, corydoras, plecos, gouramis, peaceful cichlids, rasboras.

Avoid: large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species (the males' long fins become a target).

A group of at least 6, ideally 10 is recommended. In a large group, the glittering scales create a very striking sight when the fish move together. The sex ratio is not critical. Building the school at the same time from fish of similar size makes it easier for them to get along; having several males brings out the display behavior.

It is an egg scatterer. A separate tank is prepared with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants; the female releases her eggs among the plants. The parents are removed after spawning. The fry are fed infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp.

• White spot (ich): may appear after transport.
• Fin damage: the males' long fins get damaged in poor water quality and with unsuitable tankmates.
• General: it is hardy and rarely falls ill in a mature aquarium.
• Quarantine: keeping newcomers separate for 2 weeks protects the whole school.

Males have longer, wavier dorsal and anal fins, and their color and sparkle are more intense. Females have shorter fins and plumper bodies.