Hemigrammus Rodwayi

Datasheet

General Description

The Golden Tetra (Hemigrammus Rodwayi) belongs to the Characidae family and can grow up to 5.5cm in length. They are native to regions like Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, and Brazil. Typically, they are silvery grey in color with some fin accents, but in areas where they encounter a specific trematode parasite, these tetras can display a vibrant gold hue due to guanin deposits. However, this stunning coloration is not seen in captive-bred specimens.

Aquarium Setup

For these tetras, a tank of at least 70 litres is recommended, done in groups of 6 or more for their shoaling nature. The ideal tank setup involves river sand substrate, driftwood, twisted roots, and dried leaves to mimic their natural habitat. The water should be slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-7.0, hardness of 1-12°dH, and a temperature range of 24-28°C.

Behaviour

Golden Tetras are generally peaceful and prefer the company of their own species or other small South American fish like pencil fish, dwarf cichlids, and smaller rasboras. They are shoaling fish that thrive in groups and look more striking when kept together.

Feeding and Diet

These tetras are easy to feed and accept a variety of foods including live and frozen options like bloodworms, Daphnia, and brine shrimp. Regular offerings of dried flakes and granules help maintain their health and vibrancy.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding these tetras requires a separate tank with soft, acidic water conditions. They can be bred in groups or pairs, with females being rounder in shape than males. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours, and fry should be fed infusoria until they can accept larger foods.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Golden Tetras are found in slow-moving rivers, tributaries, and floodplain lakes, occasionally in mildly brackish conditions. They are abundant in coastal floodplains, showcasing adaptability to various aquatic environments.