Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
Diamond Tetra is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Diamond Tetra?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 5.5–7
- GH
- 5–12 dGH
- KH
- 4–8 dKH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- Keep in a school of at least 6
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner.
Lifespan: up to 5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7, GH 5–12 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Diamond Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Diamond Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Accepts prepared foods with regular small frozen/live invertebrates as enrichment.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Keep in a school of at least 6.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Venezuela.
Important notes
- Occasional fin-nipping is documented, especially when group size is too small. Historical name Moenkhausia pittieri now appears as Makunaima pittieri.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Diamond Tetra get?
Diamond Tetra reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).
What aquarium size does Diamond Tetra need?
Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Is Diamond Tetra peaceful?
Yes. Diamond Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Diamond Tetra?
Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.
Should Diamond Tetra be kept alone or in a group?
Diamond Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 6.
