Glowlight Tetra

Overview: Glowlight tetra fish, also known as glowlight and fire neon, is one of the gorgeous aquarium fish you could ever see. As the name indicates, it has some peculiar markings and attractive color that makes it extremely beautiful. The best part is that Glowlight Tetra is easy to care for because it can thrive in diverse environments.  They are the schooling fish; therefore, try to keep at least 4 to 6 glowlight tetra together to make them happy together. The scientific name of glowlight tetra is Hemigrammus erythrozonus.

Distribution and Habitat: Glowlight tetra is native to the Essequibo basin in Guyana. So, basically, they hail from South America. Since South America's river water is mostly soft and acidic, glowlight tetra lives to reside there. It was the year 1933 when glowlight tetra was introduced into the aquarium trade. Since then, due to its simple nature, it is widely accepted and now is a popular aquarium fish.

Temperature: The ideal temperature for glowlight tetra ranges from 74 to 82 F (24 to 28 C). It will be a good idea to avoid sudden fluctuation in temperature that could bring the fish in stress. At the same time, try to maintain the perfect temperature range for the optimum growth and development of the fish.

Water Conditions: The right pH and hardness of water not only make the fish happy but also bring the perfect coloration and finnage. It is advised to keep the pH of the tank between 5.8 to 7.5 and hardness around 15 dGH. There is a trademark strip present the body of glowlight tetra that glows, giving it an exquisite appearance. When the water conditions are favorable, and enough food is given to the fish, this glow never fades.

Breeding: Although breeding glowlight tetra gives successful results, the process is a bit challenging as there are a few specific requirements. The water conditions should be optimum wherein hardness should be around 6 dGH and pH between 5.5 and 7. A proper feeding schedule and appropriate water conditions will ensure good fertilization results. The fish lays around 120 to 150 eggs after spawning. Remove the adults after the spawning, or else they will feed on them.

Feeding: Glowlight tetra is omnivorous in nature. It can feed on all types of food. Keep varying the food from flakes, frozen, dried to live foods for a balanced diet. Good quality flakes will ensure that fish will remain healthy and happy throughout. In general, glowlights do not feed that have settled at the bottom, so keep putting the feed in smaller quantities.

Life span: These slim-bodies fish can live up to 2 to 4 years when supplied with enough food and suitable water conditions.

Do you know?

By the time the fry of glowlight tetra turns two weeks, they start showing silver coloration. And by the third week, the typical trademark strip running through the middle of the body gets visible.