
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hemigrammus rodwayi
A small characin that is normally dull silver-grey, but in the wild a trematode infection provokes a guanine deposit in the skin that turns it a metallic gold. Those gold fish are what the trade name refers to. Peaceful and hardy.
Hemigrammus rodwayi is a small characin found from Guyana through Brazil and Peru. FishBase gives 5.3cm TL, a maximum reported age of four years, pH from 6.3, up to 12 dH and 24-28C, while Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 5.5-7.0, 1-12 dGH and a base of at least 60 by 38cm, about 68 litres. Its natural colour is a plain silver-grey, but in some localities a trematode parasite provokes a skin reaction that deposits guanine and turns the whole fish metallic gold. When those gold fish were first found they were described as a new species, Hemigrammus armstrongi, now treated as a synonym. It is abundant in coastal creeks and floodplains, including mildly brackish water. Farmed fish carry no parasite and so never turn gold.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Golden Tetra lives Up to 4 years (reported).
The Golden Tetra grows to About 5.3cm TL.
The ideal temperature for the Golden Tetra is 24〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil)
Lifespan
Up to 4 years (reported)
Size
About 5.3cm TL
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜28℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 60 by 38cm, about 68 litres. A simple biotope of river sand with driftwood and leaf litter suits it, and floating plants to cut the light help it settle.
Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 5.5-7.0 and 1-12 dGH; FishBase gives pH from 6.3, up to 12 dH and 24-28C. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water. It occurs in brackish conditions but needs no salt in the aquarium.
Very peaceful and will lose out on food beside boisterous or large fish. Other South American small characins, pencilfish, Apistogramma, Corydoras and small loricariids suit it. Keep six at minimum, preferably ten or more.
An omnivore that takes dried food well. Regular frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp improve colour and condition. Its mouth is small, so watch the particle size.
FishBase reports successful captive reproduction. As with other members of the genus, spawn them in a dimly lit separate tank of soft water with fine-leaved plants or a mesh base and remove the adults afterwards.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. The trematode behind the gold colour is a fish parasite and does not infect humans, but a gold fish is by definition a parasitised one, so check its condition before buying.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Golden Tetra is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Golden Tetra is Up to 4 years (reported). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Golden Tetra typically reaches About 5.3cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Golden Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Golden Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026