Gold Tetra - Wild Caught 2cm

Gold Tetra - Wild Caught

The Gold Tetra is a dazzling, yet often overlooked, schooling fish that originates from South America. While species like Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras may steal the spotlight, the Gold Tetra offers something unique with its striking metallic sheen and calm temperament. This fish is a fantastic addition to a planted or community aquarium, where its brilliant, reflective body can truly be appreciated.

Adult Gold Tetras grow to around 5 cm in length and are easily identified by their shimmering, golden body. This stunning appearance is quite interesting, it's actually due to a natural layer of guanine beneath the skin, which acts as a form of parasite protection in the wild but also gives them a captivating shine. The bright, reflective gold colouration is contrasted by a subtle blueish tint that becomes apparent under good lighting. These tetras also feature a clear tail fin and slightly tinted dorsal and anal fins, which enhances their overall elegance.

Breeding Gold Tetras in captivity is relatively straightforward. They are egg scatterers and will deposit their eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops during a brief but energetic courtship dance. As with most tetras, no parental care is provided, so removing the adults post-spawning is essential to avoid predation on the eggs. Males tend to be slimmer and more intensely coloured than females. Successful breeding is best achieved by keeping a group of six or more individuals in a well-planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water.

Tank Recommendations for your Gold Tetra

Gold Tetras thrive in densely planted aquariums of at least 70 litres, providing them with ample swimming space and areas to explore. They are mid-water swimmers, so substrate and hardscape choices are less critical, but a well-planted setup will always enhance their natural beauty.

They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with temperatures between 24 - 26°C and a pH of 6.0 - 7.0. A darker background and substrate will help intensify their natural golden glow, making them a stunning visual addition to any aquarium.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The gold tetra is a peaceful and active species that fares well with a variety of small, non-aggressive tankmates.

Usually Compatible

Other small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, and small peaceful loaches.

Sometimes Compatible

Gouramis and Angelfish. While generally peaceful, these species can sometimes show territorial behaviour.

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive, predatory, or large species that can easily stress, harm, or eat the small gold tetras.

Feeding your Gold Tetra

Gold tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish, though, they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods.

The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms, or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.