Gold Tetra- WILD Colombia

The Gold Tetra, scientifically known as Hemigrammus rodwayi, is a small, shimmering species of tetra native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forests in the Amazon and Guiana Shield regions of South America. It is particularly known for its stunning metallic gold coloration, which is caused by a harmless protozoan parasite that gives the fish a brilliant golden sheen. This unique appearance, along with a peaceful temperament, makes the Gold Tetra a prized addition to planted and blackwater aquariums.

Adult Gold Tetras typically reach about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length. Their slender bodies appear silvery under direct light, but healthy specimens develop a striking, reflective gold overlay covering their flanks. A subtle, horizontal dark stripe may be visible along the midline, and the fins are mostly clear with faint white or yellow tips. Males are generally slimmer and more intensely colored than females.

A tank of at least 15 to 20 gallons is suitable for a small school. Gold Tetras are true shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six to eight for best health and natural behavior. The aquarium should include soft sand or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, and dense plantings. Floating plants and leaf litter will help diffuse the light and replicate their native blackwater habitat, bringing out their golden coloration.

Water parameters should include a temperature of 73 to 80°F (23 to 27°C), a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, and soft to moderately hard water. Gold Tetras are adaptable but thrive in stable, clean water with regular partial water changes and gentle filtration.

Feeding the Gold Tetra is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods. Offer high-quality micro pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and cyclops. Their small mouths require appropriately sized food particles.

Gold Tetras are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, gentle species such as rasboras, pencilfish, Corydoras, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid housing them with aggressive or much larger fish.

Breeding the Gold Tetra in captivity is possible. They are egg-scatterers with no parental care, and spawning is encouraged by soft, acidic water and the presence of fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation, and feed the fry infusoria or powdered foods once free-swimming.

Hemigrammus rodwayi (Gold Tetra) is a striking, peaceful schooling species that brings subtle elegance and a metallic glow to South American or blackwater-themed aquariums.