Glowlight Tetra

About the Glowlight Tetra

The Glowlight Tetra is a timeless favourite among freshwater aquarists, admired for its elegant translucent body and brilliant neon-orange stripe that glows from its nose to the base of its tail. Native to the slow-moving blackwater rivers of Guyana, this peaceful schooling fish adds constant movement and vibrant colour to planted aquariums and community tanks.

Their shimmering silver body allows the glowing orange stripe to stand out beautifully, especially under subdued lighting and against lush green plants. Glowlight Tetras are naturally peaceful and thrive in schools, making them an ideal choice for community aquariums with other small tropical fish.

These hardy tetras are easy to care for and adapt well to a wide range of aquarium conditions. They appreciate densely planted aquariums with driftwood, gentle water flow, and open swimming areas. A varied diet of quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and live foods will enhance their colouration and maintain excellent health.

Peaceful, active, and beginner-friendly, the Glowlight Tetra is an excellent addition to planted aquariums alongside Corydoras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, rainbowfish, Apistogramma, and other peaceful community species.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

Common Name

Glowlight Tetra

Origin

Guyana, South America

Adult Size

4–5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

60 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

5.5–7.5

Water Hardness

2–12 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

4–6 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Glowlight Tetras should I keep?

Glowlight Tetras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six, although groups of ten or more provide the best schooling behaviour and colour display.

Are Glowlight Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for other small community fish.

What do Glowlight Tetras eat?

They readily accept quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Glowlight Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes. Adult shrimp are generally safe, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Why aren't my Glowlight Tetras glowing?

Their colours are brightest in a well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting, dark substrate, excellent water quality, and a varied diet.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Glowlight Tetras are schooling fish and become shy or stressed when kept in groups smaller than six.

Brightly lit aquariums with little cover

Floating plants, driftwood, and dense planting help them display their best colours.

Poor water quality

Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant fish.

Feeding only one type of food

A varied diet promotes stronger colours, improved health, and natural behaviour.

Keeping them with large aggressive fish

Choose peaceful tank mates that won't intimidate or prey on these small schooling fish.