Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm (Moenkhausia pittieri) are sparkling, silver‑violet schooling tetras with green and gold iridescence that really comes into its own as they mature. Peaceful, active and best kept in groups of 6 or more, Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm are ideal for planted community aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water and subdued lighting.
$8.00
15 in stock
PRODUCT Details
Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm (Moenkhausia pittieri) are often considered the “jewel” of their genus. As they grow, their silvery‑violet body develops a beautiful green and gold or orange iridescent sheen, giving them a glittering, diamond‑like appearance under aquarium lighting.
At the 3–3.5cm size, these fish are juveniles, so you’re getting young Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm that will continue to colour up and become even more impressive as they reach adulthood.
Appearance & Behaviour of Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm
Slender, laterally compressed body with silvery‑violet scales
Green, gold and orange iridescence that intensifies as they mature
Long, flowing fins in adults, especially males
Active, mid‑water schooling fish that are almost always on the move
Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm are peaceful and make excellent community fish, provided they are kept in a proper group and with suitable tank mates.
Tank Requirements for Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm
To keep Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm happy and healthy:
Tank size: From around 60L+ for a small group, larger is always better
Water: Prefer soft, slightly acidic water; they do not do well in very hard water
Filtration: Gentle, reliable filtration with good oxygenation
Décor:
Well‑planted tank with background and mid‑ground plants
Darker substrate to show off their colours
Floating plants or subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat
They appreciate peat‑filtered or tannin‑rich water and softer conditions, which help bring out their best colour and natural behaviour.
Community Compatibility
Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm are:
Peaceful, ideal for community tanks with other non‑aggressive species
Best kept in a school of at least 6, with 8–10+ being even better
Active feeders – if underfed, they may start to nibble on softer aquarium plants
Good tank mates include:
Other peaceful tetras and rasboras
Corydoras and small, peaceful catfish
Dwarf cichlids, gouramis and similar calm species
Shrimp and snails may be possible, though tiny shrimplets can be at risk
As long as Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm are kept well fed and in a proper group, they generally leave plants and tank mates alone.
Feeding Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm
The diet for Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm should be varied and high quality:
Staple of high‑quality tropical flakes or micro pellets
Regular offerings of frozen or live foods (e.g. daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms)
Occasional finely chopped or micro foods for smaller individuals
Because they are active and “on the go” all day, Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm have a healthy appetite. Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily, ensuring they consume everything within a few minutes to maintain good water quality.
Ideal for Planted & Soft Water Aquariums
If you’re running a planted, soft‑water community tank, Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm are a fantastic choice:
Their shimmering, diamond‑like scales look stunning against green plants and dark substrates
A schooling group provides constant movement and interest in the mid‑water
Their colours continue to improve as they mature, rewarding patient aquarists
Provide soft, slightly acidic water, plenty of plants and a good‑sized group, and Diamond Tetras 3–3.5cm will quickly become one of the standout species in your aquarium.
