Head-and-taillight Tetra is a freshwater fish from South America, scientifically known as Hemigrammus ocellifer.
It’s also called the Beacon Fish or Beacon Tetra. This fish is found in rivers across Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, and Peru.
Most of these fish are sold as pets and are raised in tanks. Head-and-taillight tetras prefer calm waters near the coast and live in groups.
Their diet consists of worms, small insects, crustaceans, and plants.
For a suitable aquarium setup, keep them in groups of five or more with a tank size of at least 60 centimeters (24 inches) long.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Head-and-taillight Tetra Interesting Facts
- Head-and-taillight Tetras are freshwater fish found in South American rivers, including the Amazon basin.
- These tetras grow up to 1.9 inches (4.9 centimeters) long, with females having fuller bodies than males.
- Breeding is easy in aquariums, with eggs hatching within 48 to 60 hours at 79°F (26°C).
- Ideal tank conditions include a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, a hardness range of 5 to 19 dH, and a temperature between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
Head-and-taillight Tetra Habitat
Head-and-taillight tetra is found in South American rivers across countries like Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, and Peru, specifically in the Amazon basin.
This fish lives in freshwater environments near the bottom (benthopelagic). It prefers water with a pH between 6.0 to 8.0 and a hardness (dH) range of 5 to 19.
The ideal temperature for this tropical fish is between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Head-and-taillight Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.9 inches (4.9 centimeters)
Head-and-taillight tetra grows up to 1.9 inches (4.9 centimeters) long with females having fuller bodies. Male fish are smaller than females.
Head-and-taillight Tetra Reproduction
Breeding head-and-taillight tetras is easy in aquariums because they reproduce quickly.
Eggs hatch within 48 to 60 hours when kept at 79°F (26°C).
Head-and-taillight Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Hemigrammus |
| Scientific Name: | Hemigrammus ocellifer |
| Also Known As: | Head-and-taillight Tetra, Beacon Fish, Beacon Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |