Head and Taillight Tetra

Hemigrammus ocellifer

Head and Taillight Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.9" (≤ 4.9 cm)
Aquarium size: 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Choose an aquarium that meets the listed minimum requirements.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Head and Taillight Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Suriname, Guyana, Peru, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Head and Taillight Tetra get?

Head and Taillight Tetra reaches ≤ 1.9" (≤ 4.9 cm).

What aquarium size does Head and Taillight Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Head and Taillight Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Head and Taillight Tetra is generally peaceful. Choose calm companions that won’t harass it or crowd it out at feeding time.

What temperature is suitable for Head and Taillight Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Head and Taillight Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Head and Taillight Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 6+.