Glow tetras: tips on keeping and food
The Glowlight Tetra is a member of the Characin family and is originally from South America. These small fish have been popular ornamental fish in Germany since the 1930s.
In the following, we will explain what needs to be considered when keeping Glowlight Tetras and how to provide them with a balanced diet.
Glowlight Tetra Profile
- Scientific Name: Hemigrammus erythrozonus
- Origin: Guiana, South America
- Size: Up to 4.5 cm (1.8 inches)
- Lifespan: Approximately 5 years
- Minimum Aquarium Size: 60 cm (24 inches) edge length
- Recommended Water Temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75 - 82 °F)
- Diet: Omnivorous, mainly carnivorous
Appearance of Glowlight Tetra
The base color of the Glowlight Tetra is olive green to gray-brown. It features a broad ruby-red stripe that extends from the base of the tail fin to the posterior edge of the gill cover. In artificial light, a golden shimmering line can be seen on the stripe.
Female Glowlight Tetras have a slightly rounder body shape and reach a length of up to 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches), while males are slimmer and can grow up to 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) long.
Lifespan of Glowlight Tetra
Under optimal care conditions, Glowlight Tetras can live for approximately five years. However, inadequate water quality, poor nutrition, and diseases can reduce their lifespan, as with other ornamental fish.
Origin of Glowlight Tetra
Glowlight Tetras are native to Guiana in South America. They inhabit shaded blackwater rivers and streams in their natural habitat. The water temperature typically ranges between 24 and 28 °C (75 - 82 °F), with a low water flow.
Glowlight Tetra Care
Glowlight Tetras have been highly popular in Germany for many decades. Their care in an aquarium is generally unproblematic. However, there are certain aspects to consider regarding tank size and setup.
Glowlight Tetras can be kept in relatively small aquariums. A tank with a length of 60 centimeters (24 inches) is sufficient, depending on the number of fish. The water temperature should range between 24 and 28 °C (75 - 82 °F), and the pH level should be maintained between 6 and 8.
Regular partial water changes help maintain the required water quality in the Glowlight Tetra aquarium and prevent health problems.
Setting up an Aquarium for Glowlight Tetra
Glowlight Tetras prefer shaded and darker environments. Therefore, it is important to provide sufficient plants in their aquarium. Suitable options include various floating plants or Amazon swords. However, Amazon swords, with their height of up to 70 centimeters (27.5 inches), are more suitable for larger aquariums.
In addition to plants, a dark substrate of gravel or sand and larger pieces of driftwood create a natural environment and ensure the Glowlight Tetras are not exposed to excessive light.
Tankmates for Glowlight Tetra
Unlike many other tetras, Glowlight Tetras do not typically form large schools. They tend to form small groups or stay individually. If the tank size allows, they may claim small territories. It is recommended to keep at least six Glowlight Tetras together in a group.
Glowlight Tetras are peaceful and calm, allowing them to coexist with other ornamental fish. However, tankmates should not be predators of Glowlight Tetras.
Possible tankmates for Glowlight Tetras include:
- Neon Tetras
- Serpae Tetras
- Cardinal Tetras
- Corydoras Catfish
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Zebra Danios
Breeding Glowlight Tetra
Glowlight Tetras are free spawners. They reach sexual maturity at around eight to nine months of age. Breeding them is usually straightforward. For selective breeding, it is advisable to place multiple pairs in a separate breeding tank. It is important to remove the parent fish immediately after egg laying, as Glowlight Tetras are egg predators.
After mating, the female releases her eggs, which attach to aquatic plants or other objects in the tank due to their sticky surface. The eggs hatch after only one day, and the fry initially feed on their yolk sacs. After that, they can be provided with live food such as brine shrimp nauplii.
Glowlight Tetra Diseases
Under favorable tank conditions and minimal stress, Glowlight Tetras are generally robust. However, like other tetras, they can still be susceptible to various fish diseases. Common diseases include fin and mouth rot, fish tuberculosis, velvet disease, neon tetra disease (true and false), and fungal infections.
Glowlight Tetra Diet
Glowlight Tetras are not particularly selective when it comes to food. In the wild, they primarily feed on small invertebrates but also consume some plant matter.
A balanced diet for Glowlight Tetras can be easily provided with commercial fish food. However, they also appreciate occasional variety in the form of small amounts of live or frozen food.
Aquaris Fish Food for Glowlight Tetra
A well-balanced diet is essential for the healthy growth and well-being of Glowlight Tetras. Aquaris offers excellent fish food options to meet their nutritional needs.
Aquaris fish food consists of carefully selected ingredients and perfectly balanced formulations. It is highly digestible, ensuring optimal nutrient supply for your Glowlight Tetras while avoiding unnecessary water pollution.
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