Brilliant tetra - care and maintenance in an aquarium

Of all the genus, diamond tetras are one of the most beautiful. These fish got their name due to interesting reflections of scales. In bright light, the fish literally shimmer, fascinate, stand out among other pets of the aquarium environment. At first glance, these fish seem unattractive, so novices do not even look in their direction. But professionals know that tetra gets its brilliant color only when it reaches puberty. We will not run ahead, we will consider all aspects in turn.

Description

They described this species of fish in the distant 1920. They live preferably in South America, in the local rivers. They gather in flocks, feed on insects and vegetation that have fallen into the aquatic environment. Tetras like slow current 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, they run off fertilizer from nearby fields.For this reason, diamond tetras are dying out, their population is extremely low in these areas.

As for external data, in its format, the fish is knocked down and strong. It is dense, if you compare tetra with other relatives. When living in an aquarium environment, it reaches a length of 6 cm. With a duration of existence of 5 years.

The scales are large, cast gold and green. Therefore, the fish seemed to sparkle. However, this color is typical only for adults who have reached puberty. The young do not stand out among others.

With regard to sex differences, males look sleeker, larger, famous for their large collection of scales with a characteristic sheen. Males are bright, can be purple reflux. Females, in turn, are more dull.

Livableness and temperament

1. Suitable for content in the general aquarium, if you carefully select the neighborhood. Fish, besides their beauty, are distinguished by their peace-loving character. Tetras are understood as good-natured neighbors for viviparous fishes and other small representatives (loricarium soma, corridors, dwarf cichlids, gourami, etc.).
2. Tetra has become famous because of its peculiarity to bite the fins of other fish, but this behavior can be corrected. It is enough to have from 6 to 10 individuals of the represented breed group. They are collected in packs, so all conflicts will take place within the family.
3. If you keep representatives of the group in small quantities, for example, one or two individuals, they will be cowardly. Begin to hide and rarely swim up to the public.

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 simplicity and ease of maintenance.
2. Fish do not need a large aquarium. 8-10 liters per person. water. Then, if you are going to keep 10 fish from this family, take care of a reservoir with a volume of 100 l.
3. River sand is chosen as the soil, which is excellent for these fish. Additionally, snags, grottoes, castles, various shells and other decorations are placed in the dwelling. Do not forget about vegetation in order to repeat the natural biotope as much as possible.
4. Special importance is given to water parameters.Temperature control should be 22-28 degrees, the acid balance - 6-7 units. Diamond tetras will always be healthy and active in a softened aquatic environment, therefore rigidity indicators should not go beyond the boundaries of 3-14 units.
5. Every week, 20–30% of the fluid is drained, instead of it, new water is prepared that is filled in according to all parameters. Do not forget about the powerful external filter that will clean the water. As for lighting, choose diffusing lamps. At the same time it is impossible to allow exceeding the duration of daylight (12 hours).

Breeding

1. The representatives in question reach sexual maturity at the age of 9-10 months. In rare cases, this process may occur later. For high-quality breeding, it is recommended to acquire females in which the abdomen is markedly enlarged in the direction of the anal fin.
2. Before spawning, approximately 2 weeks later, it is recommended to keep a couple in separate aquariums. At the same time, it is imperative for fish to provide a diverse and abundant diet. It is recommended to send a couple to spawn in the evening.In this case, it is allowed to use a container with a volume of 15 liters or more as a spawn.
3. Consider that in such an aquarium there should be a low water level, about 20 cm. The bottom area should be wide enough. Beforehand, the water for the 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. The safety net is lined up to the bottom of the aquarium. It is also recommended to put a bush of small-leaved algae. Do not forget to cover the aquarium for spawning from above with a suitable lid or glass.
5. Such a procedure is carried out in order to prevent the fish from jumping out of the aquarium during the mating season and games. If you put a couple in the aquarium in the evening, spawning will occur the next morning. This process is quite interesting to observe. The male spreads his fins widely and starts dancing. He smoothly circles around the 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 way, the spawn should be an order of magnitude more. In this case, females and males should be an equal number.
7. In one spawning, the female is quite capable of shedding about 350 eggs. At the same time, caviar throwing occurs unusually violently. Keep in mind that part of the eggs fall through the net, others stick to the leaves of algae. After spawning, be sure to seed the adults. Parents tend to eat their own caviar.
8. After the transplantation of individuals, be sure to add a special preparation in the form of “Sera-omnipur” to the spawner. It is forbidden to turn off aeration, it is recommended to shade the aquarium. Fry begin to emerge after only 1 day. In 4-5 days, the larvae become full fry. A week later, the young growth already swims without any problems.
9. Infusoria are excellent as a starting feed for fry. 10 days after hatching, young animals are allowed to give microheart and naupliyuyu artemia. Be sure to maintain the same temperature in the spawn. The problem is that the fry are quite tender, with the change of conditions they can get sick and die.Provide them with quality and regular meals.

Diamond tetras will be an excellent option for beginners. Fishes are not whimsical in keeping and feeding. The main thing that the diet was full 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 brilliant