Meet the mesmerizing Glowlight Tetra – a stunning freshwater fish native to the beautiful Guyana river in South America.
These active and vibrant fish are a treat to watch and easy to care for, making them a popular choice among aquarists.
As part of the Characidae family, they are known for their hardiness, peaceful nature, and friendly behavior, making them the ideal fish for beginners looking to gain experience in fishkeeping.
Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or just starting, the Glowlight Tetra will brighten up your aquarium with its dazzling display of colors.
| Common name(s) | Glowlight tetra, |
| Binomial name | Hemigrammus erythrozonus |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size range – lenght | 1.5 inches |
| Water parameters | Temp 74–82°F pH 6.5 Hardness 6-15 dGH |
| Tank level | In the middle and bottom of the tank |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 4 years |
| Breeding | Egg layers |
| Tank mates | Cory catfish, Neon tetra, Docile loaches, Gouramis, Barbs, Molly fish |
Origin
With their striking coloration and energetic personalities, Hemigrammus erythrozonus, commonly known as glowlight tetras, have captured the hearts of many aquarists.
Their bodies are almost translucent, with a peach/silver hue, and are divided by a vibrant red-orange stripe that glows under blackwater conditions, which is the inspiration behind their name.
Despite their similarities in appearance, glowlight tetras are a distinct species from glowlight rasboras and red lines.
These fish can be found in the Essequibo basin in Guyana, as well as the Potaro and Mazaruni Rivers. In their natural habitat, they tend to seek shelter in jungle thickets, which makes them almost impossible to catch.
To keep glowlight tetras in captivity, aquarists must ensure the water parameters are similar to their natural habitat.
These fish thrive in soft, acidic conditions, which are typically achieved by adding decaying leaves to the tank.
While they may have specific care requirements, glowlight tetras are generally hardy and make an excellent choice for beginner aquarists.
Size
Glowlight tetras are a delightful addition to any aquarium, but it’s important to remember that they require proper care to live a long and healthy life.
These fish typically live for two to four years, but their lifespan can be shortened if they are not provided with clean water and a nutritious diet.
As responsible pet owners, it’s essential to maintain the tank conditions by performing regular water changes and monitoring the water parameters.
Availability
The good news is that these beautiful fish are widely available in local pet stores, and you can usually purchase a pair of glowlight tetras for a reasonable price.
Due to their popularity, many aquarists breed and sell them on the market. This helps to reduce the demand for catching them in the wild, where they can be difficult to find and may suffer from habitat destruction.
Appearance and Sex Differences
The glowlight tetra is a stunning species that has captured the attention of many aquarium enthusiasts.
They have a delicate and streamlined body, which is transparent with a glowing golden stripe that runs from the snout to the tail.
These fish have silver eyes that perfectly match their transparent bodies, and their upper iris is bolder in color, making them distinguishable from other species.
It’s essential to keep a minimum of five or more glowlight tetras in a tank to allow them to thrive.
These peaceful schooling fish prefer living in groups of their own kind.
When kept in large groups, they become more confident and swim around the tank, adorning it with their bright colors. To keep them feeling secure, it’s crucial to add hiding spots in the aquarium.
Identifying the differences between male and female glowlight tetras can be tricky. Females are larger and longer than males, and their ventral section is smooth and round.
Pregnant females tend to gain weight in the tail and abdomen area. Males are generally slender, and their colors are brighter than females.
During the breeding period, males tend to chase the spawning females around the tank.
Behavior
Glowlight tetras are a vibrant and active species of fish that can bring life and movement to any aquarium.
These small fish are known for swimming in schools and darting around the tank, making them a fascinating species to observe.
While glowlight tetras can be timid, they are generally peaceful and can quickly adapt to their environment.
They have a varied diet and will eat most types of fish food, making them easy to care for. However, it is important to keep them in sufficient groups to prevent territorial behavior and aggression.
Glowlight tetras are social creatures and thrive when kept with other fish species. They make good tank mates for other tetra species, but slow-moving or long-finned species are not suitable companions for these active fish.
Adding glowlight tetras to an established tank of at least 10 gallons will help them feel comfortable and at home.
One of the most striking features of glowlight tetras is their bright orange and silver coloring, which adds a pop of color to any tank.
They are friendly and often form close bonds with other fish in their group. In the wild, they live together in small shoals, swimming, eating, and hiding together.
It is important to watch out for aggressive behavior in glowlight tetras, as they can become territorial and hostile towards other fish species as well as other glowlight tetras.
It is also worth noting that these fish are active during the day and rest at night, so you may notice a change in their behavior depending on the time of day.
Overall, glowlight tetras are a beautiful and fascinating species of fish that can make a great addition to any aquarium.
With proper care and attention, these friendly fish can thrive and bring joy to their owners for years to come.
Care
Glowlight tetras are a low-maintenance fish species that are great for beginners.
They are hardy and adaptable to different tank conditions, but it’s important to take proper care of them to ensure their longevity and well-being.
Maintaining good water quality is crucial to keeping glowlight tetras healthy. Poor water conditions can cause stress, which can reduce the fish’s lifespan.
It is essential to choose the right tank size, provide natural tank decor, and feed them a healthy diet for their optimal growth and health.
When it comes to feeding glowlight tetras, their diet should consist of standard micropellets and live foods.
Overfeeding or underfeeding can cause health problems, so it’s important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule.
It’s also important to watch out for common health issues that can affect glowlight tetras, such as bacterial and parasitic infections, fin rot, and fungal diseases.
If you notice any symptoms of illness in your fish, it’s best to seek veterinary care immediately.
When setting up a tank for glowlight tetras, it’s important to mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible.
A 10-gallon tank can hold up to six tetras, but a larger tank is recommended to provide more space to roam.
Water temperature should be kept between 74° and 82°F, with a water hardness of 6 to 15dGH and a pH level of approximately 6.5.
In terms of decor, simple and natural is the best approach. Fine sand or substrate, blackwater, small rocks, pieces of driftwood, and plenty of vegetation can help to create a comfortable and natural environment for glowlight tetras.
A good fish tank is one that is large enough for all your fish and has enough water space for them to swim freely.
Diseases
Glowlight tetras are known to be sturdy and adaptable, but they are not completely immune to illnesses. As a responsible aquarium owner, it’s essential to be aware of some of the common fish diseases that can affect these beautiful creatures.
Ich
One of the most common diseases that can impact glowlight tetras is ich, which is caused by a parasite that attaches itself to the fish’s body and sucks out its fluids.
You can identify ich by the appearance of white spots on the fish’s body, which can be seen under a microscope or with the naked eye.
If left untreated, these spots can become pits that look like sandpaper and develop into white patches on the skin, ultimately leading to the disease’s spread.
If you notice signs of ich in your glowlight tetra, it’s essential to move the fish to a hospital tank for treatment immediately.
This disease spreads rapidly and can affect other fish in the aquarium, so early intervention is crucial.
Fungal infection
Fungal infections are another common ailment that can affect glowlight tetras, particularly when they are swimming in stagnant water.
When a fish is stressed, it becomes more vulnerable to fungal infections, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
If you suspect that your glowlight tetra has a fungal infection, it’s crucial to seek urgent antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Fin rot
Fin rot is another disease that can impact the fins of your glowlight tetra, causing them to turn a reddish-brown color and become covered with black or brown spores.
This condition is highly infectious and can be caused by bacteria from poor water conditions or previous bacterial infections in the tank. Treating fin rot involves applying medication to the water and maintaining a clean and healthy environment in the tank.
To prevent these diseases from affecting your glowlight tetras, it’s essential to keep their environment clean and healthy.
Ensure that you feed them a balanced diet and change the water regularly to remove any excess chemicals or waste that could cause disease.
By following these simple tips, you can help your glowlight tetras stay healthy and thrive in your aquarium.
Tank Mates
Glowlight tetras are delightful, peaceful creatures that can coexist well with other species of fish.
However, when it comes to choosing tankmates for your glowlight tetras, it’s important to keep their size and temperament in mind.
Small and docile, glowlight tetras can easily become prey for larger, more aggressive fish. Therefore, it’s best to avoid placing them in the same tank as larger or aggressive fish.
One species that poses a particular threat to glowlight tetras is angelfish. These predatory fish are known to eat smaller species like glowlight tetras, making it essential to keep them separate.
To create a harmonious and peaceful environment in your glowlight tetra tank, consider adding species that are small in size and share a docile temperament.
Some good tankmates to consider include cory catfish, neon tetras, docile loaches, gouramis, barbs, and molly fish.
These species are all peaceful and small enough to coexist comfortably with glowlight tetras, creating a safe and pleasant environment for all.
Diet
Glowlight tetras are low-maintenance fish when it comes to feeding. These omnivorous fish will eat a variety of foods, including both plants and animals, making it easy to find suitable options for their diet.
However, to ensure that they stay healthy and colorful, it’s important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
In the wild, glowlight tetras feed on a variety of small creatures like fruit flies, insect larvae, algae, and water fleas.
To replicate their natural diet, it’s a good idea to feed them with live or frozen food occasionally. Live food will provide the natural nutrients that glowlight tetras need to thrive and can help to boost their immunity and color.
However, it’s essential to be cautious when feeding live food, as overfeeding can lead to parasitic diseases.
It’s important to keep a close eye on the amount of food you’re feeding your glowlight tetras to ensure that they don’t overeat.
To make sure that each fish receives enough food, it’s best to feed your tetras several times a day. It’s recommended to give them small portions of food that can fit into their mouths, ensuring that each fish gets its fair share.
This can be a challenge, especially if your tank contains different schools of tetra. To address this, you may need to feed them in small groups or at different times to ensure that each fish receives enough food.
By providing them with a balanced and nutritious diet and monitoring their feeding habits, you can help these beautiful fish stay healthy, colorful, and full of life.
Breeding
Breeding glowlight tetras requires careful planning and attention to their specific needs. The breeding area should be spacious, dark, and away from distractions, to give the fish privacy and reduce stress. A high-protein diet that includes spinach or brine shrimp can increase egg production and quality.
To successfully breed glowlight tetras, follow these steps:
- Choose a breeding area that is at least 18 inches long and 6 inches high, and keep it at least six inches away from the main tank to prevent other fish from disturbing the eggs and young fry. Remove any plants or decorations that could harm the eggs during spawning.
- Provide two tubes in the tank to give the fish hiding places, and keep the water well-oxygenated.
- Feed the fish a high-protein diet, such as brine shrimp or spinach, to increase egg production and quality.
- Move the pair of glowlight tetras to the breeding area and remove any other fish from the tank.
- Watch for the male to follow the female around as she prepares to spawn. The females will lay eggs on leaves and hard surfaces in the tank, and the male will fertilize them.
- After spawning, the fry will hatch in two to three days. They need lots of light, so make sure the area is well-lit and approximately six to eight inches above the water level.
Watch for signs that the breeding process is failing, such as the fish displaying a loss of appetite, swimming with their fins clamped, or having discolored, dull, or pale fins.
These are signs that the breeding process is not going well, and you may need to make changes to improve the conditions
Glowlight Tetra Video
Glowlight Tetra Ingographic
In conclusion
Glowlight tetras are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their hardiness and attractive appearance. With their vibrant neon glow, they add a touch of color to any aquarium.
These fish are also social creatures and thrive when kept in groups of at least five. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners looking to create a community aquarium.
If you’re interested in keeping glowlight tetras, you won’t be disappointed. With the right setup and care, these fish are sure to bring joy and beauty to your aquatic environment.
