Pretty Tetra

Hemigrammus pulcher, the Pretty Tetra, is native to the upper Amazon in Peru and Colombia. It earns its name with a handsome combination of colours: the rear third of the body transitions from silver-gold to a warm golden-red, and the caudal peduncle carries a distinctive black blotch bordered above by a golden spot. In well-conditioned soft water the colours deepen appreciably.

This species is peaceful, moderately hardy, and well-suited to the planted community aquarium. It schools attractively in groups of eight or more and is compatible with a wide range of similarly sized fish. It is somewhat more demanding than the very easiest tetras, preferring soft, slightly acidic water for best colouration.

Feeding with quality micro-pellets and regular supplementation with frozen brine shrimp and daphnia maintains peak health and the warm golden-red coloration that gives this species its appeal.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to medium (GH 2–12, KH 1–6). Tank: 60 L minimum; planted community tank with dark substrate and open swimming area. Feeding: Quality flake, micro-pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworm. Breeding: Egg-scatterer in fine plants; condition with live foods; soft acidic water preferred. Compatibility: Peaceful with all similarly sized community fish; excellent with other small tetras.