Golden tetra

Hemigrammus rodwayi

A dark lateral marking joins the tail spot beneath a silvery-brassy sheen

A silvery-brassy male with mostly clear, faintly pink fins. Strong metallic colour can obscure useful markings.

Native range: South America: Rivers of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Amazon River basin.

Natural habitat: Common in coastal creeks and floodplains, including waters with some salinity.

Gold appearance is not a separate strain by itself.

Appearance and identification

Its joined lateral marking and tail spot distinguish it from the head-and-tail-light tetra.

Keep six or more, preferably ten or more.

Use a 60 × 38 cm footprint for a small group, with cover and swimming room.

Mix small live or frozen foods with flakes or granules, making sure weaker fish get food.

Avoid much larger or very boisterous companions.

A maintained planted aquarium suits it. Keep swimming space.

Sources