Family: Characidae
Garnet tetra — a Characidae from South America and the Philippines. Reaches 2.5–3.6 cm; keep at 23–27 °C.
A Characidae species native to South America and the Philippines: Hemigrammus pulcher lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 2.5–3.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hemigrammus species we profile, alongside Hemigrammus bleheri, Hemigrammus ocellifer, Hemigrammus rhodostomus.
Intermediate difficulty. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory; strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.
Set the heater to 23–27 °C and avoid swings. pH 5–6, GH 5–12 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 2.5–3.6 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Its home waters are South America and the Philippines — blackwater streams and flooded forest, with still to gentle current.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
Egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.