Care guide

Gold Tetra Care Guide

A Complete Care Guide for Hemigrammus rodwayi

May 18, 2026

Introduction

Hemigrammus rodwayi, the gold tetra (also called the brass tetra), is a small South American tetra notable for the golden iridescent sheen that covers their body. This golden sheen is caused by guanine deposits in the skin, a defensive response that wild fish develop when exposed to parasites that provides a form of protection. Captive-bred fish retain the golden coloration selectively.

Native to coastal rivers in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, gold tetras inhabit slow-moving, blackwater rivers and streams with soft, acidic water. They are peaceful, social fish that school comfortably with other tetras.

Gold tetras are easy to care for and make good additions to planted community tanks. Their distinctive metallic sheen sets them apart visually from other small tetras and creates an interesting reflective quality under good lighting.

Basic Overview

Species NameHemigrammus rodwayi

Lifespan3-5 years

Size1.5-2 inches

CareEasy

Tank Size15-20 gallons for a school of 8

Temperature75-82 degrees F

BehaviorPeaceful schooling fish; compatible with all community fish; soft-water preferred

Common Misconceptions

"The golden color is paint or dye." The golden sheen of gold tetras is entirely natural, caused by guanine deposits in the skin. It is not artificial coloring. Captive-bred specimens maintain this characteristic naturally.

"They are the same care as neon tetras." Gold tetras are close in care requirements to neon tetras but slightly more adaptable. They share similar soft-water preference but tolerate a wider range of conditions.

"A small group is fine." Schools of 8 or more show the best behavior and the collective golden sheen effect is most impressive in large groups.

Recommended Setup

15-20+ gallon tank for a school of 8
Planted setup; dark substrate enhances gold sheen
Gentle flow
Soft, slightly acidic water for best coloration
Good filtration

Diet

Gold tetras are omnivores that accept most standard community foods:

High-quality small flake or micro pellets
Frozen baby brine shrimp
Frozen daphnia
Frozen micro worms

Feed twice daily in small amounts. Gold tetras are straightforward feeders. Small food items that match their tiny mouths are important.

Personality

Gold tetras are calm, gentle schooling fish that drift through a planted tank in loose formations. Their collective golden sheen has a warm, reflective quality under aquarium lighting that is distinctive and attractive.

They are completely peaceful with all tank mates including very small fish and shrimp. Their gentle nature makes them ideal for planted nano community tanks with dwarf shrimp.

A school of 10-15 gold tetras in a blackwater-style planted tank with dark substrate, driftwood, and warm-spectrum lighting is one of the most beautiful nano tank displays available.

Water Parameters

Gold tetras come from the soft, acidic, tannin-stained coastal rivers of the Guianas:

pH: 5.5-7.5
Hardness (gH): 2-12 dGH (prefer soft)
Temperature: 75-82 degrees F
Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: below 20 ppm

Here are some top tips to deal with unwanted parameters:

Soft, slightly acidic water produces the most intense golden sheen.
Indian almond leaves or driftwood adding tannins replicates their natural blackwater habitat.
Gentle filtration with minimal current is appropriate.
Weekly 15-20% water changes maintain stability in nano setups.

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