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Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus Erythrozonus)

Home > Library > Species Spotlight > Aquatic > Freshwater Aquarium > Freshwater Fish > Characidae Family > Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus Erythrozonus)

Scientific Name: Hemigrammus Erythrozonus
Common Names: Glowlight Tetra, Fire Neon Tetra
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy
Life Span: 3 to 5 years

Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus Erythrozonus) specimen

Species Overview and Background:

  • The Glowlight Tetra was first discovered in 1936 in the blackwater streams of Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.
  • It is naturally found in the slow-moving, shaded waters of forested areas, such as small tributaries and flooded forest pools.
  • In their natural habitat, Glowlight Tetras live in large groups and actively feed on small invertebrates, insects, and plant matter.
  • They are peaceful and non-aggressive fish, preferring to live in large groups for security and to display their vibrant colours.
  • The species was introduced in the aquarium hobby in the 1950s.
  • Glowlight Tetras have become famous among aquarists due to their striking appearance and peaceful nature.
  • They are relatively common in the hobby and readily available in pet stores.

General Water Parameters:

  • pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5
  • Temperature Range: 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F)
  • GH Range: 1 to 10 dGH
  • KH Range: 1 to 5 dKH
  • TDS Range: 50 to 150 ppm

Colour & Appearance:

  • Glowlight Tetras have a slender, elongated body shape.
  • They can reach a maximum size of about 4 centimetres (1.6 inches).
  • The body is primarily translucent with a bright reddish-orange stripe extending horizontally from the nose to the base of the tail.
  • Above and below the stripe, the body is silver in colour.
  • The dorsal fin and anal fin also have a splash of red coloration.
  • Males tend to have brighter and more intense coloration compared to females.
  • There are no significant variations in terms of coloration within the species.

Care and Requirements:

  • Glowlight Tetras are relatively easy to care for and suitable for beginners.
  • They are not demanding fish and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions.
  • Provide them with a well-maintained aquarium, stable water parameters, and a balanced diet for optimal health.
  • They are hardy fish and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it's best to keep them within the recommended range.
  • Glowlight Tetras are active during the day and spend their time swimming in the mid to upper levels of the aquarium.
  • They appreciate having hiding places in the form of plants, driftwood, or rock formations.

Diet:

  • Glowlight Tetras are omnivorous and have a relatively varied diet.
  • In the wild, they primarily feed on small invertebrates, insects, and plant matter.
  • In captivity, they can be fed a combination of high-quality flake or pellet food formulated for tropical fish.
  • Supplement their diet with occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • They may also graze on microorganisms and biofilm present in the tank.

Group of Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus Erythrozonus) in the aquarium

Ideal Tank Setup:

  • The ideal tank setup for Glowlight Tetras should replicate their natural habitat.
  • Provide a tank of at least 60 litres (16 gallons) to accommodate a minimum group size of six individuals.
  • Use fine gravel or sand as the substrate to resemble the streambed.
  • Decorate the tank with live plants such as Java Moss, Java Fern, or Amazon Sword to provide cover and create a natural environment.
  • Adding floating plants like Water Sprite or Duckweed can help diffuse the lighting and create shaded areas.
  • Driftwood and rocks can be added to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding places.
  • Maintain a moderate water flow in the tank to simulate their native streams.
  • It is not necessary to have high water flow; a gentle to moderate flow is sufficient.

Compatibility and Tankmates:

  • Glowlight Tetras are peaceful community fish and can be kept with a variety of tankmates.
  • Good tankmates include other small, peaceful fish such as other tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras), Rasboras, small Gouramis, and peaceful catfish like Corydoras.
  • Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that may intimidate or harm them.
  • It's recommended to keep them in groups of at least six individuals to promote their natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress.

Sexing:

  • It can be challenging to differentiate between male and female Glowlight Tetras.
  • Males tend to have brighter and more intense coloration, especially along the red stripe.
  • Females may appear slightly rounder and larger when full of eggs, but the differences are subtle.

Breeding:

  • Glowlight Tetras can be bred in captivity with the right conditions and setup.
  • Set up a separate breeding tank with fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or spawning mops for the eggs to adhere to.
  • Condition a separate breeding pair with high-quality live and frozen foods to encourage spawning.
  • Once the female is visibly full of eggs, introduce the male into the breeding tank.
  • The pair will engage in a courtship display, with the male chasing the female and both swimming closely together.
  • The female will release eggs, and the male will fertilize them.
  • After spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from consuming the eggs.
  • The eggs will hatch in about 24 to 36 hours, and the fry will become free-swimming a few days later.
  • Feed the fry with infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flake or baby brine shrimp.

Additional Considerations:

  • When introducing Glowlight Tetras to a new aquarium, it's important to acclimate them slowly to avoid temperature and pH shocks.
  • Float the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to allow them to adjust to the temperature.
  • Gradually add small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over the course of 30 minutes to acclimate them to the pH and water chemistry of the tank.
  • Once acclimated, gently release the fish into the aquarium.
  • Regular water changes, proper filtration, and maintaining stable water parameters are essential for the overall health and well-being of Glowlight Tetras.

By following these care guidelines, providing a suitable environment, and offering a balanced diet, you can enjoy the beauty and activity of Glowlight Tetras in your aquarium.