Gold Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi) is a peaceful South American shoaling fish with a subtle metallic sheen and lively community-tank behaviour.
Appearance and natural habitat
In a settled group the fish spend much of their time together in midwater, with short displays and changes of position giving the aquarium constant movement. Keeping enough of their own kind improves confidence, colour and natural social behaviour.
In the wild, this fish comes from northern South America, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil. It is associated with slow rivers, tributaries and floodplain lakes, often around wood, roots and leaf litter. Matching some of that shelter and maintaining stable water helps the fish settle; use the species-appropriate conditions shown below.
Gold Tetra care
- Adult size: up to 5.5 cm
- Temperature: 24-28°C
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- Temperament: Peaceful community fish
- Group: At least 6; 8-10 is better
- Care level: Easy
Aquarium setup
Keep the aquarium mature, well filtered and furnished with plants, wood and some open swimming room. A darker background and gentle lighting help the fish feel secure and show their colour.
Use an established filter and introduce the fish only after the aquarium is fully cycled. Regular partial water changes and steady conditions are safer than sudden attempts to adjust pH or hardness.
Feeding and tank mates
Feeding: Feed a quality fine flake or micro pellet, with small frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp or bloodworm added regularly.
Compatibility: Choose calm tank mates of a similar size and maintain the species in a proper group. Captive-bred fish may look more silver than wild golden examples, but their care is the same.
Watch the group at feeding time to make sure every fish gets food, particularly when they share the aquarium with faster species. A varied diet, clean water and suitable companions are the best route to strong colour and long-term health.


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