红灯管 · Glowlight Tetra

Overview

The glowlight tetra, Hemigrammus erythrozonus, is a peaceful shoaling fish with a conspicuous luminous red stripe. Commercially bred stock is adaptable. Soft lighting and sheltered surroundings generally show its color better than a bare, brightly lit aquarium.

Distribution & habitat

Its known native range is Guyana's Essequibo system. Forest tributaries provide tannin-darkened water that is often strongly acidic. Aquarium supplies predominantly come from commercial breeding.

Aquarium setup

A densely planted aquarium makes an effective display. Alternatively, combine sand, roots, wood, and leaves to create gently tea-colored water. Use subdued illumination and replace decaying leaf material before water quality suffers. Acidic conditions tend to improve coloration, although farmed fish tolerate a wider range.

Diet & feeding

Flakes and granules are readily accepted. Regular small live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms, water fleas, and brine shrimp, add variety and support condition.

Behaviour & compatibility

Maintain at least six, preferably ten or more. Gentle small tetras, rasboras, danionins, livebearers, armored catfishes, and suitable dwarf cichlids can make good companions. Exclude larger fishes capable of swallowing them, regardless of an otherwise peaceful reputation.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females tend to be slightly larger with a fuller abdomen; males are slimmer.

Breeding

Both group and pair spawning are possible. Use a separate, very dim aquarium with soft acidic water, gentle sponge filtration, and fine plants, spawning mops, or protective mesh. For a pair, condition the sexes separately and transfer the selected adults during the evening. Spawning commonly follows next morning, sometimes with the pair rolling upside down together.

Average broods contain around one hundred twenty to one hundred fifty eggs. Remove adults promptly because they eat the eggs. Hatching takes roughly twenty-four to thirty-six hours, with free swimming another three or four days later. Begin with infusoria-sized foods, then introduce microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp. Eggs and early fry are sensitive to light and should remain in very dim surroundings.

Notes

A selectively bred albino form is also available. Its basic care requirements are the same as those of the standard form.