Diamond tetra - care and maintenance in the aquarium

Of the whole kind of diamond tetra, one of the most beautiful. These fish got their name thanks to interesting reflections of scales. In bright light, the fish literally shimmer, bewitch, stand out among other pets in the aquarium environment. At first glance, these fish seem inconspicuous, so beginners do not even look in their direction. But professionals know that a tetra gains its diamond color only when it reaches puberty. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, consider all aspects in the order of priority.

Description

This species of fish was described back in 1920. They live preferably in South America, in the rivers there. They gather in flocks, feed on insects and vegetation that have fallen into the aquatic environment. Tetra love slowly flowing sources, for example, lakes or tributaries.

Collected from the bottom of the plant. Since lakes such as Venezuela and Valencia are located between mountain ranges, fertilizers flow from them from nearby fields. For this reason, diamond tetras die out, their population is extremely low in these areas.

With regard to external data, the format of the fish is downed and strong. It is dense when compared to tetra with other relatives. When living in an aquarium, it reaches a length of 6 cm. With a duration of 5 years.

Large scales, cast in a golden and green tint. Therefore, the fish seems to sparkle. However, this color is characteristic only of adults who have reached puberty. Young growth does not stand out among others.

As for gender differences, males look more elegant, larger, famous for a large accumulation of scales with a characteristic sheen. Males are bright, may be a purple tint. Females, in turn, are dimmer.

Survival and temperament

1. Suitable for keeping in a common aquarium, if you carefully select the neighborhood. Fishes, in addition to their beauty, are distinguished by their peaceful nature. Tetras are understood as good-natured neighbors for viviparous fish and other small representatives (loricaria catfish, corridors, dwarf cichlids, gourami, etc.).
2. Tetra became famous because of its peculiarity to bite fins to other fish, but this behavior can be corrected. It is enough to get from 6 to 10 individuals of the presented breed group. They gather in packs, so all conflicts will take place within the family.
3. If you contain representatives of the group in small quantities, for example, one or two individuals, then they will be cowardly. They will begin to hide and rarely swim out for all to see.

Content

1. For quite a long period of time, tetras occupy leading positions in the TOP of popular fish for keeping in aquarium conditions. Such features are associated with unpretentiousness, as well as ease of care.
2. Fish do not need a large aquarium. 8-10 liters are assigned to one individual. water. Then, if you are going to keep 10 fish from this family, take care of a 100 liter tank.
3. As the soil, river sand is chosen, which is great for these fish. Additionally, driftwood, grottoes, castles, various shells and other decor are placed in the dwelling. Do not forget about vegetation to maximize repetition of the natural biotope.
4. Particular importance is given to water parameters. The temperature regime should be 22-28 degrees, the acid balance - 6-7 units. Diamond tetra will always be healthy and active in a softened aquatic environment, therefore, stiffness indicators should not go beyond 3-14 units.
5. Each week, 20-30% of the liquid is drained, instead of it is filled with new water prepared in all respects.Do not forget about the powerful external filter that will clean the water. For lighting, choose diffuser lamps. At the same time, you must not allow exceeding the duration of daylight hours (12 hours).

Breeding

1. The considered representatives reach puberty at the age of 9-10 months. In rare cases, this process may occur later. For high-quality breeding, it is recommended to purchase females in which the abdomen is markedly increased towards the anal fin.
2. Before spawning, in about 2 weeks, it is recommended to keep a couple in separate aquariums. At the same time, it is mandatory for fish to provide a varied and plentiful diet. It is recommended to send a couple to spawn in the evening. In this case, it is allowed to use a capacity of 15 liters or more as a spawning ground.
3. Keep in mind that in such an aquarium there should be a low water level, about 20 cm. The bottom area should be wide enough. In advance, water for spawning should be defended for several days. The temperature in the environment should be within 27 degrees.
4. Filtration in spawning is provided through peat. Also, the tank should have a fairly low light. Previously, a safety net is lined at the bottom of the aquarium. It is also recommended to place a bush of small-leaved algae. Do not forget to cover the aquarium for spawning with a suitable lid or glass.
5. This procedure is carried out so that during the mating season and games the fish do not jump out of the aquarium. If you put a couple in the aquarium in the evening, spawning will happen the next morning. This process is quite interesting to watch. The male widely spreads its fins and begins to dance. He smoothly circles around his beloved.
6. In addition, breeders often carry out group spawning with an equal number of heterosexual individuals. Consider, if you decide to do exactly the same thing, the spawning should be an order of magnitude larger. In this case, females and males should be equal in number.
7. For one spawning, the female is quite capable of spawning about 350 eggs. In this case, caviar throwing is unusually violent. Keep in mind that some eggs fall through the net, while others stick to algae leaves. After spawning, be sure to jail adults. Parents tend to eat their own caviar.
8. Be sure to add a special preparation in the form of “Sera-omnipur” to the spawning grounds after transplanting individuals. It is forbidden to turn off aeration, while it is recommended to shade the aquarium. Fry begin to be born after only 1 day. For 4-5 days, the larvae turn into full-fledged fry. A week later, young growth is already swimming without any problems.
9. As a starter food for fry, ciliates are excellent. 10 days after hatching, young animals are allowed to give microworms and artemia nauplii. Be sure to maintain the same temperature in spawning. The problem is that the fry are quite tender, when the conditions change, they can become sick and die. Provide them with quality and regular nutrition.

Diamond tetras are a great option for beginners. Fish are not whimsical in the maintenance and nutrition. The main thing is that the diet is complete and systematic. For the rest, do not forget to monitor the cleanliness of the aquarium and the temperature of the water. When breeding do not forget to follow simple recommendations.

Video: aquarium fish tetra diamond