Colletti Moenkhausia

Moenkhausia collettii is a graceful, streamlined silver tetra distributed widely across the Amazon basin. Its body is largely transparent silver with a thin horizontal black stripe and a prominently large eye that gives it an alert, attentive expression. While not a boldly colored species, its elegant form and peaceful nature make it a valuable community fish. It serves particularly well as a dither fish alongside shy species such as dwarf cichlids, encouraging them to venture into the open. Easy to keep in slightly soft, neutral water, it is an excellent species for beginners or hobbyists wanting active, schooling mid-water fish without demanding water chemistry.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 22–28 °C; soft to moderately hard. Very adaptable. Tank: 60 L minimum; open mid-water swimming with plants along sides. Good filtration. Feeding: Omnivore; flake, pellets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and cyclops readily accepted. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; soft neutral water over plants. Moderately easy. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent with dwarf cichlids, corydoras, and other community fish.