A stunning, deep-bodied tetra endemic to Lake Valencia in Venezuela. Named for the brilliant, iridescent scales on its flanks that sparkle like diamonds under the right lighting. They are highly active, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in well-planted aquariums. Males develop spectacular, flowing fins as they mature.
Diamond Tetra At a Glance
Diamond Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Diamond Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Diamond Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Diamond Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Diamond Tetra Water Parameters
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Diamond Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Diamond Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Unsexed / Juvenile)
The standard commercial representation, often sold as juveniles before distinct sexual dimorphism appears. They require a school of at least 6 to feel secure and prevent fin-nipping out of stress.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Adult males develop striking, elongated, and flowing dorsal and anal fins, and exhibit a much stronger diamond iridescence with slight violet hues. They will perform mock-battles to impress females.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Male, Show Male
Female
Females have shorter, more rounded fins and a slightly plumper, deeper body, particularly when carrying eggs. While less ornate, they still display the signature diamond sparkle.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Female
Diamond Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Diamond Tetra, scientifically known as Moenkhausia pittieri, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Diamond Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Diamond Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard (Unsexed / Juvenile), Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Diamond Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Diamond Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Diamond Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Diamond Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Diamond Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Diamond Tetra.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Tetra
How big does Diamond Tetra get?
Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Diamond Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Diamond Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Diamond Tetra need?
Diamond Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Diamond Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Diamond Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Diamond Tetra should be kept together?
Diamond Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Diamond Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Diamond Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Diamond Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Diamond Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Bandit Cory
Corydoras metae
Ideal Tank MatesAsher Cory
Corydoras tukano
Ideal Tank MatesPanda Garra
Garra flavatra
Ideal Tank MatesJulii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesWrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Diamond Tetra
These plants pair well with Diamond Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Diamond Tetra
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
A peaceful, schooling nano fish native to the Essequibo River basin in South America. They are famous for their translucent bodies and the striking iridescent neon-orange stripe running from snout to tail. They thrive in mature, planted aquariums with slightly soft, acidic water and subdued lighting.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
A stunning, large schooling fish native to the Congo River basin. Known for their iridescent rainbow colors and active swimming behavior. Despite their size, they are notoriously peaceful and can be skittish, requiring ample swimming space, dim lighting or floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.