Gold Tetra (1.5cm) shines with a natural metallic glow, adding elegance and movement to peaceful aquariums. Ideal for nano and community tank setups!

The Gold Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi), known for its dazzling golden sheen, is a small, peaceful schooling fish that brings a touch of brilliance to any freshwater aquarium. This natural golden glow is actually caused by a harmless parasite-triggered immune response, creating a unique, shimmering appearance rarely seen in other species. At just 1.5cm, these juveniles are still developing their full coloration but already add charm and activity to planted or community tanks. Hardy and adaptable, the Gold Tetra is a perfect choice for aquarists of all levels looking for elegance in miniature form.

✨ Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Hemigrammus rodwayi

• Common Name: Gold Tetra

• Size: 1.5cm (juvenile; adults can reach 4–5cm)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, shoaling

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Origin: South America (Amazon and coastal rivers of Brazil, Guyana, Suriname)

• Group Size: Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

Gold Tetras are hardy and tolerant of a variety of water parameters, making them great for community setups:

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 3–12 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger for schools)

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Filtration: Moderate flow, well-oxygenated water preferred

• Lighting: Moderate to slightly subdued—helps bring out their golden coloration

A planted aquarium with driftwood, soft substrate, and gentle lighting will showcase their shimmering bodies beautifully.

🐟 Tank Mates

Gold Tetras are peaceful and do well in community aquariums with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.

Great companions include:

• Other small tetras (e.g., Neon, Ember, Glowlight)

• Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin, Chili Rasbora)

• Corydoras catfish

• Otocinclus

• Peaceful gouramis (e.g., Sparkling or Honey Gourami)

• Freshwater shrimp (with caution—larger Gold Tetras may nip at tiny shrimp)

Avoid housing them with:

• Aggressive or fin-nipping fish

• Large species that may view them as food

Gold Tetras are social fish that need to be in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and exhibit natural schooling behavior.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Gold Tetras are omnivores and have small mouths, so they thrive on fine, high-protein diets:

• High-quality micro pellets or tropical flakes

• Live or frozen food like brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro bloodworms

• Freeze-dried alternatives (crushed)

• Occasional vegetable-based flakes (spirulina or algae)

Feed 1–2 times per day in small amounts they can finish in 2 minutes or less. A varied diet helps maintain their health and vibrant sheen.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform weekly water changes (20–30%) to maintain water quality

• Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels regularly

• Provide gentle water flow and avoid strong currents

• Use a tight-fitting lid—they may jump when startled

• Avoid copper-based medications if keeping shrimp in the same tank

These fish are hardy but thrive best with stable parameters and good filtration.

🌿 Why Choose the Gold Tetra?

The Gold Tetra is not just another tetra—its natural metallic glow adds a unique touch to planted or peaceful community aquariums. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this shimmering beauty is low-maintenance, peaceful, and endlessly fascinating to watch in groups.

Add a touch of natural gold to your aquarium—bring home the Gold Tetra today!