Moenkhausia pittieri, scientifically known as the Brilliant Tetra, is a fascinating freshwater fish that gleams in any aquarium. For aquarists seeking a combination of beauty and low maintenance, this species is well-known for its shimmering scales and lively personality.
Originating from Venezuela’s rivers and streams, the Brilliant Tetra flourishes in lushly planted aquariums where it can freely swim and feel at home. In any aquatic setting, its iridescent body reflects light in a way that makes it a true gem.
This fish is a wonderful companion for other small, non-aggressive species because it is not only attractive, but also well-known for being calm and gregarious. The Brilliant Tetra is a fun addition to your tank for both novice and experienced aquarists.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Scientific Name | Moenkhausia pittieri |
| Common Name | Brilliant Tetra |
| Size | Up to 6 cm (2.4 inches) |
| Water Temperature | 24-28°C (75-82°F) |
| pH Level | 6.0-7.5 |
| Tank Size | Minimum 20 gallons |
| Diet | Omnivore; eats flakes, pellets, and live food |
| Behavior | Peaceful, ideal for community tanks |
| Lifes |
- Habitat and habitat
- Description
- Size:
- Behavior and compatibility
- Aquarium
- Water parameters:
- Feeding
- Sex Dimorphism
- Breeding
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Habitat and habitat
South America: native to Lake Valencia, also known as Tacarigua (Spanish: Lago de Valencia), which is located in the northern Venezuelan states of Aragua and Carabobo, as well as nearby reservoirs.
The lake is Venezuela’s second-largest lake and is situated between two mountain ranges. The main causes of the typically extremely low water quality are industrial production, agriculture, and human activity pollution. As a result, there is continual eutrification (the process of water quality degradation brought on by an excessive intake of so-called "biogenic elements," mainly nitrogen and phosphorus compounds) and the resulting eutrification of the water and algae. According to studies, there was a nearly 60% decline in fish species variety between the middle and end of the 20th century.
Lives in several slowly flowing tributaries and small, overgrown areas of the lake.
The majority of this species’ proposed zootorgavia representatives are produced in large quantities on Asian commercial farms.
Description
An elongated oval-shaped body that is tall and slightly flattened on the sides. There is a two-lobed tail and a fat fin.
The abdomen is white with a silvery cast, the back can be gray-blue or brownish, and the primary color is yellowish with a reddish tint. Fins are dark gray with a white cant. A blue longitudinal stripe runs from the center of the body to the tail.
The iris’s upper portion is red. Its name comes from the iridescent scales that cover the entire body; only mature individuals exhibit a vibrant and full color; the young are comparatively bland.
Size:
The standard maximum length is 6 cm; females are marginally shorter.
Behavior and compatibility
Behavior traits are displayed in groups of at least five to seven, and they become even more fascinating when ten or more relatives are present. For example, males flaunt their tail fluff and glitter with their diamond-shaped scales when they approach females.
An excellent option for a neighborhood aquarium. The males of these fish grow to an impressive size for their family; they are quite beautiful and peaceful fish. Most viviparous fish, rasboras, other tetras, and peaceful lower-level residents like Corydoras or Loricariid catfish get along well with them. Can be kept with dwarf cichlids and most commonly available gouramis.
Even though it has a reputation for biting fins, when kept in a school, this behavior usually changes, and disagreements usually happen within the group. Similar to nearly every other tetra, it generally feels more comfortable around other members of its own species and can be a little shy if kept in small enough numbers.
A schooling species, buy as many as you can from ten or more, as the fish will be more active and less shy, more visible, have better coloring, and behave more naturally in such a large group.
Aquarium
An aquarium’s size is chosen with 10–15 liters in mind for each pair of mature fish. An aquarium with basic measurements of 60 * 37.5 cm, or roughly 70 liters, is required for a small group.
This species is fairly adaptable and will thrive in a range of aquarium environments, though it is not particularly fond of bright lighting. However, it really pops in richly colored aquariums where there are a lot of plants.
Ideal for being kept in a large communal aquarium with lots of surrounding foliage, floating plants, room for swimming, dim lighting, and dark soil.
Can be housed in an aquarium featuring a biotope from the Amazon. As a substrate, use river sand and sprinkle in some branched driftwood. A few handfuls of dried oak or beech leaves will finish the imitation of a natural appearance. The lighting ought to be fairly low.
Water parameters:
In the range of 24 to 28 °C pH range: 5.5 to 7.0 Hardness: 5–12 degrees dGH
It is essential to use aeration in filtering, and to change 25% of the water every week.
Feeding
In the wild, they eat tiny insects and other invertebrates that fall into or live in the water.
Will devour anything you have to offer, omnivore. Regular feeding of small live and frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, along with dried flakes and granules, will improve condition and coloring.
Sex Dimorphism
In comparison to females, males have a slightly higher proportion of reflecting scales and are less plump. They have longer anal, dorsal, and ventral fins when they are fully grown. The female has virtually no tint, whereas the males have a deep purple color.
Capable of reproducing in 8–12 months.
The shimmering scales and serene disposition of the brilliant tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri) make it an attractive freshwater fish that is perfect for community aquariums. This species brings harmony and beauty to any aquarium setup with its easy care requirements and ability to thrive in a well-planted tank.
Breeding
Like many other tetras, breeding can be accomplished in a similar manner.
An independent aquarium measuring roughly 45 x 30 x 30 cm. Employ extremely low lighting, add artificial spawning material (washcloth) or small-leaved plants (Java moss), and cover the aquarium’s bottom with an appropriate net. Its mesh ought to be both big enough for the eggs to fit through and tiny enough for the breeders to be unable to get to them.
At a temperature of approximately 28 °C, the water in the spawning tank should be soft and acidic, with a pH range of 5.5–6.5 and GH 1–5. Water filtration using peat is beneficial. All you need is a tiny sponge air filter.
It is possible to breed in groups of six or seven individuals of each sex. Breeding in pairs is an option. Males and females are first kept apart in groups according to this method. Choose the female with the fullest eggs and the male with the best coloring, and move them to the spawning tank in the evening after the females have clearly gained eggs and the males have developed their best coloring. Usually, reproduction takes place the next morning.
As soon as they have spawned, the parents should be removed because they consume the eggs. After 3–4 days of incubation, the larvae can swim freely. The incubation period lasts 24–36 hours. Until they grow big enough to take microfood or brine shrimp nauplii, they should be fed infusoria, which is the primary food for the first few days.
The young grow very quickly for the first 1.5–2 months, then more slowly, reaching adult size by the end of 4–5 months. The bigger fries need to be quickly moved to a different container because they are prone to cannibalism.
An aquarium’s lifespan is roughly five years.
The shimmering look and lively behavior of the Brilliant Tetra make it an enthralling addition to any aquarium. Both beginning and seasoned aquarists adore it for its vibrant colors and ease of maintenance.
Replicating its natural habitat, this species flourishes in well-planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water. The Brilliant Tetra is a calm community fish that gets along well with other non-aggressive, similarly sized species. This makes it a great option for a peaceful tank setting.
You can make sure that these colorful fish stay healthy and keep adding life to your aquarium by being aware of the unique requirements of the Brilliant Tetra, such as its food preferences and water requirements.
