Common Name: Gold Tetra
Scientific Name: Hemigrammus rodwayi
Other Names: Golden Tetra, Gold Reflective Tetra
The Gold Tetra is a small, peaceful schooling fish known for its shimmering, metallic gold coloration. This natural golden sheen is caused by a protective mucous layer that helps shield them from parasites in the wild. Their bodies are slightly elongated, with a translucent, silver base color overlaid with a reflective gold hue. These tetras are highly active and do best in planted aquariums with ample swimming space.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to South America, the Gold Tetra is found in slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and blackwater tributaries across the Amazon and Orinoco basins, including parts of Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname. These waters are typically warm, soft, and slightly acidic, with tannins from decaying plant matter giving them a characteristic brownish tint.
Size and Lifespan:
Gold Tetras grow to about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm). With proper care, they can live for 3-5 years.
Diet and Behavior:
This species is omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, zooplankton, and plant matter in the wild. In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet that includes high-quality flakes or micro pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, and occasional plant-based foods like spirulina flakes. They are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least six or more, displaying the best colors and behaviors when kept in larger groups.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Gold Tetras are egg scatterers that do not exhibit parental care. To encourage breeding, provide a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water, a temperature of around 78-82°F (25-28°C), and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop for egg deposition. After spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. Fry hatch within 24-36 hours and should be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small school, though a 30+ gallon tank is ideal for larger groups. Their ideal tank setup includes a dark sand or fine gravel substrate to enhance their gold coloration, live plants such as Amazon swords and floating plants for shade, moderate filtration with gentle water movement, and subdued lighting to mimic their natural blackwater habitat.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Gold Tetras are peaceful and do well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Apistogramma species, and other small South American fish. Avoid large or aggressive species that may see them as food.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner. They are hardy and adaptable but prefer stable water conditions and should be kept in groups.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
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pH: 5.5-7.2
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General Hardness (GH): 2-10 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Their gold coloration comes from a natural mucous coating that protects them from parasites in the wild.
- They display the best coloration in blackwater conditions with tannins from driftwood or botanicals.
- Keeping them in larger schools enhances their confidence and reduces stress.
The Gold Tetra is a beautiful and hardy schooling fish, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Their reflective golden sheen adds a unique visual appeal to planted and blackwater aquariums.
