The Head and Tail Light Tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer) is a charming and peaceful schooling fish, easily identified by its signature glowing copper-gold spots located on the front of the head and near the tail fin—resembling a pair of headlights and taillights. At 2.5cm, this juvenile is already active and eye-catching, making it a great choice for hobbyists looking to add shimmer and harmony to planted community tanks.

Native to the calm, soft-water tributaries of the Amazon Basin, this species thrives in well-planted aquariums with gentle flow and stable water conditions. Its easy-care requirements, peaceful temperament, and compatibility with a wide variety of tank mates make it especially popular among beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Hemigrammus ocellifer

• Common Name: Head and Tail Light Tetra

• Size: ~2.5cm (adults reach 4–5cm)

• Lifespan: 4–6 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, schooling

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Origin: South America (Amazon and Orinoco River basins)

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

These tetras are hardy and adaptable but flourish best in slightly acidic, well-oxygenated water:

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 3–10 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 15–20 gallons

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Filtration: Moderate flow with clean, well-filtered water

• Lighting: Moderate; highlights their glowing head and tail markings

They appreciate a well-planted tank with open swimming space and subdued lighting to mimic their natural environment.

🐟 Tank Mates

The Head and Tail Light Tetra is a peaceful, sociable species that gets along well with most other community fish.

Compatible tank mates:

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

• Rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Dwarf gouramis

• Otocinclus and Bristlenose plecos

• Shrimp (larger species) and snails

Avoid:

• Aggressive or fin-nipping species

• Large, predatory fish

They do best when kept in groups of 6 or more, which encourages natural shoaling behavior and reduces stress.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

These tetras are omnivores with a healthy appetite for a variety of food types:

Ideal diet:

• High-quality flake or micro pellets

• Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia

• Freeze-dried tubifex or cyclops

• Occasional vegetable-based flakes or spirulina

Feed once or twice daily, offering portions that can be consumed within 2–3 minutes.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform regular water changes (20–30% weekly)

• Keep water parameters stable and oxygen levels high

• Avoid strong current, but ensure good water circulation

• Use a secure lid—these tetras may jump when startled

• Observe for signs of illness or stress such as loss of color or erratic swimming

These fish are hardy and forgiving, making them ideal for both beginner and intermediate aquarists.

🌿 Why Choose the Head and Tail Light Tetra?

The Head and Tail Light Tetra is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any peaceful freshwater aquarium. Its glowing copper spots, lively schooling behavior, and compatibility with a wide range of species make it a great pick for planted aquascapes, nano tanks, or traditional community setups.

Brighten up your aquarium with the glowing charm of Head and Tail Light Tetras—order yours today!