Glowlight Tetra - Hemigrammus erythrozonus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) stands out as a diminutive yet splendid freshwater species, celebrated for its enchanting appearance and minimal maintenance requirements, thereby securing its status as a favoured selection amongst the global aquarist community. These tetras are characterized by their serene, exquisite, and elegant demeanour, coupled with a reserved temperament, rendering them perfectly suited for communal aquariums housing similarly sized and mild-mannered species. Known for their gregarious and affable disposition, Glowlight Tetras are straightforward to care for, positioning them as an exemplary choice for beginners in the aquarium hobby.
When maintained in schools of six or more, Glowlight Tetras display their most authentic and vivid behaviours, introducing a dynamic element and a burst of colour to the aquatic setting. Typically, these fish are observed navigating the lower strata of the aquarium.
As exemplary community inhabitants, Glowlight Tetras coexist harmoniously with other small, peaceful species, such as smaller Tetras, Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, Mollies, Corydoras Catfish, and Gouramis. They serve as excellent dither fish for various Dwarf Cichlids in more spacious tanks, including Bolivian Rams and Kribensis Cichlids. It is advisable to avoid larger and more aggressive tankmates, as they may prey on or relentlessly harass Glowlight Tetras, potentially leading to stress and illness in the latter.
These diminutive schooling fish exhibit a preference for densely vegetated tanks that provide abundant concealment options, particularly along the periphery. Glowlight Tetras also thrive in environments adorned with bogwood and leaf litter, provided there are sufficient open spaces for swimming. These resilient and adaptable fish flourish in tap water in many regions, yet they manifest their most vibrant colouration in soft, dimly lit water with a hint of tannin.
The Glowlight Tetra is easily recognizable by its vivid, iridescent orange-red stripe extending from the snout to the tail's base, set against a silver backdrop. This distinctive stripe, mirrored in the front part of the dorsal fin, along with the translucent anal and pelvic fins edged in delicate white, underscores its allure. In essence, the Glowlight Tetra constitutes a magnificent addition to any community aquarium, with its active yet peaceful nature and striking aesthetic appeal endearing it to enthusiasts.
Glowlight Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
In distinguishing between male and female Glowlight Tetras, one can observe that females have larger bodies and more rounded stomachs than their male counterparts. In contrast, males are generally more slender and smaller in size, particularly in the abdominal region.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Hemigrammus erythrozonus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1909 |
| Other Names | Glowlights, Fire Neon Tetra |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Hemigrammus |
| Origins | Guyana |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 3 - 15 |
| ℉ | 74 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 28 |
Natural Habitat
The Glowlight Tetra hails from the Essequibo Basin in Guyana, South America, with sightings in the Potaro, Rio Essequibo, and Mazaruni Rivers, contributing to its worldwide allure. In the wild, this species is found in forest-covered tributaries branching from the primary river. These tranquil streams typically feature water tinted dark brown by tannins from decaying vegetation, characterized by softness and high acidity. Such conditions create an ideal habitat for the Glowlight Tetra to flourish.
Breeding
Breeding Glowlight Tetras in a home aquarium can be challenging, but it's possible with the right conditions. To begin, set up a separate breeding tank with soft, warm water and dim lighting. A heavily planted tank with fine-leaved plants such as java moss is preferable. Conditioning the fish with a high-quality flake or live food three to five times a day is recommended. When a female is ready to spawn, she becomes plump, and it's time to introduce the couple to the breeding tank.
The male will court the female by flicking his fins and shimmying around her. After the courting process, both fish will roll on their backs, and the female will discharge her eggs, which the male will fertilize. In general, the couple will produce around 100 to 150 eggs, and parents won't provide any parental care, and they may consume eggs if given the chance. Therefore, remove them as soon as spawning is over. Keep the breeding tank dark, as the eggs are sensitive to light.
One day later, the eggs will hatch, and a couple of days later, the fry will become free-swimming. The fry should be fed infusoria or paramecium cultures initially and finely crushed flake food. Then, after several days, provide them with freshly hatched brine shrimp and microworms to encourage growth.
Diet & Feeding
The diet of the Glowlight Tetra should be carefully considered, as these fish require a diverse range of foods in small portions. High-quality crushed flakes and micro pellets are readily accepted and should form the basis of their diet. However, it's important to provide a varied diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. In addition to flakes and pellets, Glowlight Tetras enjoy live and frozen food, such as brine shrimp and mosquito larvae. It's worth noting that these Tetras are surface feeders and will not eat any food that falls to the bottom of the tank. Overfeeding can lead to digestive problems and reduced water quality, so it's essential to monitor their feeding habits and adjust their diet accordingly.
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