Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)
| Diamond Tetra Moenkhausia pittieri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Diamond Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Moenkhausia pittieri |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Venezuela |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6 cm |
| Temperature | 23-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.4" |
| Temperature | 73-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The brilliant tetras occur exclusively (endemically) in the catchment area of Lake Valencia in Venezuela. They live mainly in slow-flowing forest streams with tree roots and branches wringing into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water, a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia and mosquito larvae, which is also eaten in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Dry food, such as flake and granulated food is also well accepted. In addition, they occasionally require vegetable food, such as crushed peas, mashed leafy and wild vegetables, or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp).
A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful schooling fish that can be kept well in a community tank. At least 5, but preferably more brilliant tetras should be kept together.
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The dorsal fin of the male is pointed like a flag.
Reproduction and breeding
In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants. The aquarium should be darkened, because the spawn is sensitive to light. The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely after 3-4 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Feeding plant food reduces the risk of the fish eating the tender shoots of aquatic plants. They are considered to be fin-twitchers. Kept in a group, other fish are rarely bothered and their occasionally quarrelsome behavior remains intraspecific.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF