The Glowlight Tetra has been a fixture in the aquarium hobby since its introduction in the 1930s, and for good reason: the vivid neon-orange to copper-red horizontal stripe that runs from snout to tail base is one of the most striking color patterns in the freshwater fish world, reminiscent of a glowing filament and responsible for both its common name and its enduring popularity. The body is otherwise translucent silvery-white, which makes the stripe stand out with maximum contrast. Native to the Essequibo River system of Guyana, this species inhabits soft, slightly acidic, heavily vegetated and shaded waters. In the aquarium it is hardy, peaceful, and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of water parameters while showing its best color in soft, slightly acidic conditions with dark substrate and subdued lighting. The Glowlight Tetra is an excellent community fish, peaceful with all non-aggressive species and a classic companion to neon tetras, ember tetras, and other small characids. It is a mid-water schooler that is active throughout the day. A school of ten or more under dim lighting in a planted tank creates an extraordinarily beautiful effect. Suitable for any beginner looking for color, hardiness, and easy care in a single fish.
