Diamond Tetra Moenkhausia pittieri

The Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri), also known as Brillantsalmler, Diamond Characin, Pittier's Tetra and Timanttitetra is native to South American inland waters. A somewhat larger tetra, the Diamond Tetra reaches 2.5 inches and exhibits intense coloration; They are said to sparkle like a diamond with their silvery scales and orange accents when kept in a darkly aquascaped tank.

These Tetras prefer a heavily planted tank and softer water on the acidic side. It should also have adequate swimming room in the tank. The Diamond Tetra should be kept at a water temperature between 74º and 82º Fahrenheit with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. They are ideal fish to put in a community tank and prefer to school with an odd number of at least 3 Diamond Tetras, making them an attractive addition to your nature aquarium.

To breed the Diamond Tetras, like breeding Platy fish, they should be separate a pair into a "breeding tank" with no lighting at first and then gradually increase it until spawning occurs. Water hardness should be less than 4 degrees and live food such as mosquito larvae are great inducers. Be sure to remove the adults after the eggs have been laid, as the adults will eat them. The eggs should hatch within 30 hours.

The Diamond Tetra has violet-hued scales with a fine scattering of green and gold that creates a pleasant sparkling effect. A high quality flake and freeze-dried foods supplemented with live brine shrimp fulfill its dietary needs. "Diamond Tetras" also will accept many small foods such as daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex.