A peaceful, active schooling fish perfect for community planted tanks. Fascinatingly, the brilliant metallic gold coloration of wild specimens is a harmless immune response (guanin deposits) to a trematode parasite. Captive-bred specimens lack this parasite and display a silvery-yellow sheen instead. They thrive in mature, dimly lit aquariums with soft water.
Gold Tetra At a Glance
Gold Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Gold Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Gold Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Gold Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Gold Tetra Water Parameters
Gold Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Gold Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Wild-Caught (Gold)
Wild-caught specimens exhibit the famous metallic gold 'foil' coloration, which is a natural defense response to a harmless parasite found in their native habitat.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: True Gold, Wild Type
Captive Bred (Silver)
Commercially bred in captivity. Because they are never exposed to the wild trematode parasite, they lack the intense gold foil shine and instead feature an attractive silvery-green or yellow hue.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Silver Tetra, Aquarium Strain
Gold Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Gold Tetra, scientifically known as Hemigrammus rodwayi, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 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 Gold Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 55 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 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Gold Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Wild-Caught (Gold) and Captive Bred (Silver). 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.
Gold Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Gold 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 and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Gold Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Gold 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.
Who Gold Tetra Is Actually For
Gold Tetra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Gold Tetra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Gold Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Gold Tetra.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 20 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Tetra
How big does Gold Tetra get?
Gold Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Gold Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Gold Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Gold Tetra need?
Gold 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 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Gold Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Gold Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Gold Tetra should be kept together?
Gold 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 Gold Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Gold Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Gold Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Gold Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Ideal Tank MatesSan Juan Cory
Corydoras bilineatus
Ideal Tank MatesSchwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
Ideal Tank MatesLeopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
Ideal Tank MatesGold Laser Cory
Corydoras sp. 'CW010'
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Gold Tetra
These plants pair well with Gold 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 Gold Tetra
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.
Fire Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
The Fire Tetra (commonly sold as the Flame or Von Rio Tetra) is a peaceful, schooling nano fish originating from the coastal rivers of Brazil. They are prized for their striking two-toned appearance, which transitions from silver/yellow at the head to a vibrant fiery red at the tail. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent choice for planted community aquariums, though they are unfortunately considered endangered or possibly extinct in the wild due to habitat loss.
Silvertip Tetra
Hasemania nana
The Silvertip Tetra is an energetic, hardy schooling fish native to the blackwater creeks of Brazil. Uniquely for tetras, they lack an adipose fin. Males are a striking deep copper/gold, while females are paler yellow, but both feature the eponymous bright silver-white tips on their fins. They are extremely active, boisterous swimmers and can be prone to fin-nipping if kept in too small a group or with slow-moving tank mates.
Gold Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
A highly active, peaceful schooling fish. The common 'Gold' variant is a captive-bred color morph (Schuberti) of the wild Green Barb. They are remarkably hardy and prefer slightly cooler sub-tropical water, making them excellent candidates for unheated indoor aquariums.
Green Fire Tetra
Aphyocharax rathbuni
The Green Fire Tetra is a lively, schooling fish originating from South America. They are characterized by their metallic green bodies and a striking red coloration on their lower flanks and anal fins. They are generally peaceful but highly active, requiring plenty of swimming space and a group of conspecifics to feel secure and display their best colors.
Rosy Finned Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra known for its reddish-pink hue and striking dorsal fin, which features a prominent black patch and white tip. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in heavily planted tanks with slightly acidic, soft water. Males frequently engage in harmless mock-battles by flaring their fins to establish hierarchy.