Diamond tetra

The diamond tetra is a shimmering characin of the family Characidae, native to the Lake Valencia region of Venezuela. Mature fish develop a sparkling, iridescent scale pattern that glitters silver, gold, and violet under good lighting; males grow long, flowing dorsal fins. It is a peaceful, active shoaling fish that should be kept in groups of six or more. It coexists well with other calm community species, though the display fins of males can attract fin-nippers. A planted tank with a dark substrate, subdued lighting, and some open swimming space brings out its metallic sheen, in soft to moderately hard water. An omnivore, it readily accepts flakes, small live foods, and frozen fare. It is an egg-scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants; the adults do not guard the eggs. It is hardy and undemanding once settled.