Ocellifer Tetra

Hemigrammus ocellifer, the Head-and-Tail Light Tetra, is a classic and enduringly popular aquarium species. Its transparent body is marked at each end by a distinctive gold-and-black spot — one above the eye and one at the caudal peduncle — that glow like lanterns in low-light planted aquariums, inspiring the evocative common name.

This species is robust, adaptable, and peaceful, suitable for a wide range of community aquariums. It is one of the hardier small tetras and tolerates a broader range of water conditions than blackwater specialists. In good groups of eight or more it schools actively through the mid-water column, the golden tail spots creating a distinctive sparkling pattern of light.

Feeding is entirely straightforward: quality flake, micro-pellets, and any small frozen foods are all accepted readily. It is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a small, characterful, community-compatible schooling fish.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–15, KH 1–8). Tank: 60 L minimum; planted with open swimming space; any standard community setup suits. Feeding: Flake, micro-pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia; very undemanding feeder. Breeding: Prolific egg-scatterer; easy to breed in soft acidic water; remove parents post-spawning. Compatibility: Ideal community fish; suitable with virtually all peaceful species of similar size.