Gold Tetra Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Gold Tetras are small, lively characins with a translucent silver to golden body and a subtle yellow-gold sheen. Their flanks can take on a warm metallic appearance, while the fins are usually clear with delicate yellow or reddish tones. The intensity of the gold colour varies between individuals and may be influenced by their natural biology and condition.

These peaceful fish are active midwater swimmers that look most impressive when kept in a coordinated group. They spend much of their time exploring open water, weaving through vegetation and responding to one another with quick, restrained movements rather than aggressive displays.

In the wild, they are associated with sluggish, plant-rich waters in the Guianas. Such habitats may contain leaf litter, submerged roots and tannin-stained water, providing cover and a complex background for a small shoaling fish.

Gold Tetras are sometimes sold under the broader name Hemigrammus spp., so exact appearance and adult size can vary slightly among traded populations. They are nevertheless valued as adaptable, attractive community tetras with a gentle temperament and a bright, constantly moving presence.

Gold Tetras, generally referring to Hemigrammus rodwayi, originate in the coastal river systems of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana in northeastern South America. They inhabit slow-moving streams, forest creeks and floodplain waters, although the commercial name can sometimes be applied to closely related Hemigrammus species.

A group of Gold Tetras should have at least a 60-litre aquarium, ideally measuring around 60 x 30 cm at the base or larger, with open swimming space through the middle and upper levels. Use a gentle filter flow, a secure lid and dense planting around the sides and rear while leaving an unobstructed central area. A dark substrate, driftwood, roots and some leaf litter help create a natural-looking South American setting and make their colours stand out; subdued lighting or floating plants can make them feel more secure.

Up to about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) in length. Females are typically slightly larger and deeper-bodied than males.

Gold Tetras are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet of quality small flakes, micro-pellets and appropriately sized granules. Supplement these staple foods with frozen or live daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and other small invertebrate foods. Feed small portions once or twice daily, offering only what the group can consume promptly, as their small mouths are not suited to large foods.

Gold Tetras are peaceful community fish and can be housed with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species such as ember tetras, neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, small pencilfish, pygmy corydoras and other peaceful South American tetras. Small, calm dwarf cichlids may also work in a suitably arranged aquarium. Avoid large predatory fish, boisterous fin-nippers and highly aggressive species, which may frighten them, outcompete them for food or attempt to eat them.

Gold Tetras are egg-scattering fish that spawn among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. For better results, condition a separate breeding aquarium with live or frozen foods, soft, slightly acidic water and subdued lighting. A pair or small group may scatter several hundred eggs, which should be protected from the adults with a mesh or marbles. Remove the parents after spawning; the eggs usually hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry can be started on infusoria or another suitably tiny first food before moving on to baby brine shrimp.

Females are usually fuller-bodied, especially when carrying eggs, while males tend to be slimmer and a little more streamlined. The differences are subtle, and reliable sexing is easiest when mature fish are viewed as a group.