Species profile
Diamond Tetra
Makunaima pittieri
Peaceful
Moderate care
100 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Peaceful Venezuelan shoaling tetra; best colour and fin development appear in a proper group under clean, stable conditions.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
5.5–7
GH
Up to 12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.7
Males display and establish small visual spaces without the sustained territorial aggression of cichlids. Sensitive to chronically poor water quality.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Makunaima pittieri
Alternative names
Diamond Tetra, Moenkhausia pittieri
Native range
Lake Valencia basin and associated waters in Venezuela.
Natural habitat
Vegetated and structurally complex freshwater habitats with subdued areas and moderate water movement.
Diet & feeding
Small omnivore/micropredator; use quality prepared foods plus varied small frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males develop longer dorsal/anal fins and stronger reflective colour; females are fuller and shorter-finned.
Breeding
Egg scatterer; a conditioned group or pair can spawn among fine plants/mops, with adults removed if fry survival is the aim.