Gold Tetra – Hemigrammus rodwayi – 2 cm

Hemigrammus rodwayi – Gold Tetra

The Gold Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi) is a small freshwater fish native to South America. It is particularly appreciated for its silvery to golden colouration and attractive metallic sheen, which is especially striking when a group is swimming together in a planted aquarium.

Active without being aggressive, it mainly occupies the middle levels of the aquarium and should be kept in a shoal.

The specimens offered here are approximately 2 cm.

Adult Size

The Gold Tetra generally reaches approximately 4 to 5 cm as an adult.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22 to 28 °C
pH: 6 to 7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Clean, stable and properly filtered water is recommended.

What Size Aquarium for Gold Tetras?

Because of its social behaviour and adult size, the Gold Tetra should not be regarded as a fish for very small nano aquariums.

An aquarium at least 60 cm long provides a better basis for keeping a shoal. A larger aquarium naturally allows a bigger group to be maintained and provides more swimming space.

Planted areas can be combined with an open central swimming area, allowing the shoal to move freely.

Behaviour and Shoaling

The Gold Tetra is a peaceful and social shoaling fish. It should ideally be kept in a group of at least 10 individuals. A larger shoal is even better when aquarium size allows.

Keeping sufficient numbers encourages natural behaviour and also enhances the visual effect created by the fishes' golden reflections.

Gold Tetras can live alongside other peaceful species of a suitable size with compatible aquarium requirements.

Feeding

In the wild, Hemigrammus rodwayi feeds on small invertebrates, insects, larvae and other small organisms.

In the aquarium, it readily accepts pellets and flakes suitable for the size of its mouth. Frozen or live foods such as Artemia and Daphnia can also be offered as part of a varied diet.

A varied diet helps maintain the fish in good condition.

Breeding

The Gold Tetra is an egg-laying species. It scatters its eggs amongst fine vegetation and provides no parental care.

As adults may eat the eggs and newly hatched fry, controlled breeding generally requires the spawn to be protected.

Origin

Hemigrammus rodwayi originates from South America, including the Guianas and river systems in the northern part of the continent.

Lifespan

Under suitable aquarium conditions, the Gold Tetra can live for approximately 4 to 5 years.

Never Release Aquarium Fish into the Wild

Hemigrammus rodwayi must never be released into a river, pond, lake or any other natural environment.