Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Diamond Tetra
Makunaima pittieri
Also called Moenkhausia pittieri (former name)
A peaceful, sociable tetra.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 cm (2 in)123 |
| Coat | Scaled characin (tetra), deep-bodied, with an adipose fin |
| Origin | South America: Lake Valencia basin and its tributaries, Venezuela123 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
A peaceful, sociable tetra. In too small a group it may nip fins now and then, but kept in a proper shoal it settles in calmly with other peaceful fish.21
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Diamond Tetra. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Scaled characin (tetra), deep-bodied, with an adipose fin
A fairly deep-bodied tetra covered in reflective scales that glitter like scattered diamonds once the fish matures. Young fish look plain and silvery, and the sparkle develops with age and good feeding. Adult males are larger and grow long, flowing dorsal, anal and pelvic fins with a violet sheen, while the females' fins stay mostly clear.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A moderately active mid-water swimmer that likes some open space alongside thick planting.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Straightforward: stable, clean water and a varied diet bring out its best sparkle. Its full colours only appear once it is mature, so patience pays off.21
Home where they are happiest
Tank with a base of at least 60 x 38 cm (about 68 litres); FishBase suggests a minimum length of 80 cm. Water 24-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.0 (colours are best below neutral), hardness 5-12 °H. Dense planting and fairly dim light suit it.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Eats worms, small crustaceans and insects in the wild. In the aquarium it accepts flakes and granules; add small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp regularly.21
Company who they like around
Keep a shoal of at least 6-8. Good with livebearers, danios, rasboras, other tetras and peaceful bottom dwellers.21
The story where it all began
German-American ichthyologist Carl H. Eigenmann described the diamond tetra in 1920 as Moenkhausia pittieri, most likely honouring Henri Pittier, a botanist and geographer living in Venezuela who collected fish for him. In 2020 it was moved to the new genus Makunaima. The fish in the hobby are bred on commercial farms in Eastern Europe and Asia.321
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is an 'ugly duckling' fish: juveniles look plain silver and only develop their diamond-like glitter as adults.2
- 2
The genus name Makunaima refers to a creator figure in the mythology of several Amazonian peoples.3
- 3
In the wild it comes from a single lake basin, Lake Valencia in Venezuela.1
- 4
In 2009 photographer Ivan Mikolji found a wild population in a stream near Lake Valencia.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Endangered in the wild (assessed 29 November 2022); aquarium fish come from commercial breeding farms1
- FishBase
- Used commercially in the aquarium trade1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Diamond Tetra?
Feed your Diamond Tetra small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Offer a variety of flakes, granules, and small live or frozen foods for best health and sparkle.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Diamond Tetra eat, and what should it never eat?
Diamond Tetras eat worms, small crustaceans, and insects in the wild. In the aquarium they accept flakes and granules, and enjoy regular treats like bloodworm, Daphnia, and brine shrimp. For foods to avoid, check with your vet or a good breeder.21
How much space does a Diamond Tetra need?
A tank with a base of at least 60 by 38 cm, about 68 litres, is recommended. Some sources suggest a longer tank of 80 cm. This gives your shoal room to swim and show off their diamond sparkle.21
What temperature, light or water does a Diamond Tetra need?
Keep the water temperature between 24 and 28°C, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 and hardness of 5 to 12°H. Dense planting and fairly dim light suit them best and bring out their colours.21
How often should I clean a Diamond Tetra's home?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and monthly filter rinsing in old tank water. Also test the water weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Diamond Tetra live with others?
Yes, Diamond Tetras are peaceful and sociable. Keep a shoal of at least 6 to 8. They get along well with livebearers, danios, rasboras, other tetras, and peaceful bottom dwellers.21
How long does a Diamond Tetra live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For typical longevity, ask your vet or an experienced breeder.
Can I handle a Diamond Tetra?
It's best not to handle your Diamond Tetra as they are delicate fish. For handling advice, consult a vet or experienced aquarist.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase species summary: Makunaima pittieri fishbase.seused for describer, maximum length, distribution, water range, IUCN status
- Seriously Fish species profile: Makunaima pittieri seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, water parameters, behaviour, diet, sexing, habitat
- Wikipedia: Diamond tetra en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy history, etymology, appearance
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.