Head-and-tail light tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer)

Family: Characidae

Head-and-tail light tetra — a Characidae from South AmericaSouth America, peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Reaches 3.7–5.4 cm; shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
3.7–5.4 cm
Minimum tank
35 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks
Origin
South America

Species overview

Hemigrammus ocellifer is a Characidae from South America. In the wild it prefers blackwater streams and flooded forest; in the aquarium it stays peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Plan on 3.7–5.4 cm of adult fish at 22–26 °C. Related profiles: Hemigrammus bleheri, Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Hemigrammus erythrozonus.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm
Diet
Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour
Recommended tankmates
  • Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass
Avoid keeping with
  • Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops

Frequently asked questions

Is Head-and-tail light tetra easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Head-and-tail light tetra need?

Set the heater to 22–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.

How big does Head-and-tail light tetra get, and what tank size?

Full size is 3.7–5.4 cm. Minimum tank: 35 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Head-and-tail light tetra eat?

Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Head-and-tail light tetra live with other fish?

Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Recommended tankmates: Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass. Avoid Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra.

Where does Head-and-tail light tetra come from?

Its home waters are South America — blackwater streams and flooded forest, with still to gentle current.

Does Head-and-tail light tetra jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Head-and-tail light tetra breed?

In the aquarium: scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.