Head and Taillight Tetra

Hemigrammus ocellifer

Head and Taillight Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Beginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in)
Aquarium size: 75 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 75 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Keep in a school of 10+.

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. Keep in a school of 10+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Head and Taillight Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Suriname, Guyana, Peru, Brazil.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 75 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 10+.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

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 ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–26 °C Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–26 °C Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 24–28 °C Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 22–27 °C Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 23–26 °C

FAQ

How large does Head and Taillight Tetra get?

Head and Taillight Tetra reaches ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in).

What aquarium size does Head and Taillight Tetra need?

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

Is Head and Taillight Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Head and Taillight 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 Head and Taillight Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.

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

Head and Taillight Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.