Gold Tetra 2cm

These wild-caught tetras from South America have an unusual appearance as if coated in gold dust. The gold pigment is due to the fish's skin reacting to a skin parasite that is present in its natural habitat. (This does not pose a health risk to the tetra or its tankmates.) Interestingly, captive-bred Gold Tetras do not develop the gold pigmentation like their wild-caught parents. A peaceful community fish, which can grow to 5cm.

Tetras are considered easy to keep in a community aquarium of at least 20L, with a pH of 5.07.0 and KH of 1.02.0. However, they will not tolerate dramatic changes to their environment. The Tetra can live 10 years or more with the proper conditions. They tend to be timid and, because of their small size, should not be kept with large or aggressive fish who may bully or simply eat them.

Fish that mix well in an aquarium are other types of tetras and other community fish that live well in an ideal Tetra water condition. Mid-level feeders are best kept in schools of five to eight or more, for the "shoaling" effect when they move around the tank. They shoal naturally in the wild and are thus happier, more brightly colored, and more active when kept as a shoal as opposed to singly.

Tetras are best kept in a densely planted tank with subdued light and an ideal temperature of 2024?C to resemble their native Amazon environment. Tetras are omnivores and will accept most flake foods, but should also have some small foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and micro pellet food to supplement their diet.