Diamond Tetra care

Moenkhausia pittieri · Freshwater · Beginner level care

A shimmering tetra with long dorsal and anal fin extensions in adults.

Smallest tank20 gallons

Adult size2.5 inches

Temperature75 to 82°F

pH6 to 7

GroupA group of 6 or more

TemperamentPeaceful

SwimsMiddle of the tank

Lives4 to 5 years

Watch for: Males can be a bit pushy with each other, so keep a group.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.

Nips the fins of slow fish with long fins.

Fish that pass every check with Diamond Tetra in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Diamond Tetra.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Diamond Tetra need different water temperatures.
Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Diamond Tetra.
Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Diamond Tetra.
Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Diamond Tetra.
Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Diamond Tetra.
Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Diamond Tetra.
Blue Acara: Blue Acara grows big enough to eat Diamond Tetra.

What size tank does a Diamond Tetra need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 2.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Diamond Tetra like?

75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Diamond Tetra should I keep together?

Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Diamond Tetra eat?

Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.