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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The classic, wild-type Glowlight Tetra featuring a silvery, semi-transparent body and a brilliant glowing red-orange lateral stripe. Their colors are most vibrant under dim lighting or floating plants.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Normal
Albino
A selectively bred albino morph. They lack dark pigmentation, resulting in a pale golden-white body, but remarkably retain the trademark glowing orange stripe.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Albino Glowlight, Golden Glowlight
Top Tank Mates
Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria sp.
🟢Ideal Tank MatesVampire Shrimp
Atya gabonensis
🟢Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
🟢Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
🟢Ideal Tank MatesClown Pleco (L104)
Panaqolus maccus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Clea helena
🟢Ideal Tank MatesGlowlight Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Glowlight Tetra, scientifically known as Hemigrammus erythrozonus, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a fusiform 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 Glowlight Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 40 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Glowlight Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Albino. 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.
Glowlight Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Glowlight 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 leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Glowlight Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Glowlight 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, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glowlight Tetra
How big does Glowlight Tetra get?+
What tank size does Glowlight Tetra need?+
What water parameters does Glowlight Tetra need?+
Is Glowlight Tetra peaceful or aggressive?+
How many Glowlight Tetra should be kept together?+
Does Glowlight Tetra have any special tank requirements?+
Similar Species
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most iconic freshwater fish in the hobby, famous for its striking iridescent blue and red stripes. Originally from the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish and must be kept in schools to thrive, display natural behaviors, and feel secure.
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
The Ember Tetra is a striking, fiery orange-red nano fish native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. Extremely peaceful and active, they are perfect for planted and blackwater aquariums. They are tight schoolers and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
A peaceful, active schooling fish native to the Paraguay basin. Known for its striking contrast of a dark black lateral stripe underneath a glowing iridescent white/green-gold stripe. Excellent for community aquariums, particularly in planted setups or blackwater biotope tanks with subdued lighting.
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.
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
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.
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.