There are virtually endless varieties of tetra species out there, but few are as immediately visually recognizable as glowlights. Due to their iconic appearance, adaptability to different freshwater aquarium conditions, and peaceful schooling behavior, glowlight tetras are a highly sought-after choice for fish owners.
But, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you add some of these beautiful fish to your tank! Let’s walk through a quick beginner guide to owning glowlight tetras.
Identifying a Glowlight Tetra
At first glance, glowlights (officially known as Hemigrammus erythrozonus) closely physically resemble many other types of tetra species. Like other tetras, the species is known for its small size (roughly an inch and half in length), a body shape resembling a spindle, and distinctive adipose fin. On the other hand, there are a few unique visual characteristics that help set glowlight tetras apart.
First, the species has a semi-transparent silvery coloring that immediately stands out from other tetra varieties like ember or neon tetras. This translucent appearance becomes even more apparent when you examine the glowlight up-close.
Even more distinctive, though, is the glowlight tetra’s trademark red stripe. The stripe runs lengthwise across the fish’s entire body and visually “glows” brightly under the right lighting conditions. Hence, the species’ name! The only other type of fish that has a similar stripe is the glowlight rasbora. However, you can quickly and painlessly tell the two fish apart by noting that the rasbora lacks an adipose fin and is partly black in color.
Habitat and Tank Conditions
Maintaining an optimal aquarium habitat is necessary for even low-maintenance pet fish species like the glowlight. Fortunately, glowlight tetras usually do well under a pretty generous range of tank conditions. On account of their tiny size, they can thrive in smaller tank sizes like ten or even five gallons. Glowlights can also handle water temperatures ranging from 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, though they prefer close to 77 degrees whenever possible.
In terms of aquarium pH levels, the species is fairly flexible. Most glowlights can readily survive in water with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. Though, you should try to keep that number on the smaller side if you can, since these fish do better in more acidic water.
Glowlight tetras originate from South America, so it’s a good idea to try to mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. Adding a small layer of sand to the bottom of your fish tank can help achieve this effect, as can incorporating hiding spots like rocks and driftwood.
How Long Do Glowlight Tetras Live?
Life expectancy is always a concern for pet fish owners. No one wants to add a fish to their tank only for it to die the next day! In that vein, the lifespan of glowlight tetras can vary somewhat, but most of these fish can live between 3 and 5 years.
If you want to ensure a healthy and happy lifespan for your glowlights, there are a few simple guidelines I’d suggest. One of the most important tips is to keep these fish in a school of six or so other glowlights. This is not a solitary species, so they need buddies to help them survive and feel safe.
Additionally, try to keep a close lookout for any signs of fish disease or other health conditions. Serious warning signs to watch out for include gasping for air, fin rot, discoloration along the body, white spots, and tilted or upside down swimming.
Diet and Feeding Routine
A nutritious and sustainable diet is also essential for glowlight tetras to thrive in an aquarium. Luckily, glowlights aren’t picky eaters and will gladly accept a good variety of different fish foods. They are omnivores, so they do best with a combination of plant matter and animal products. Flakes, frozen or freeze-dried food, live feeding, and even DIY fish treats are all viable options.
For optimal nutrition, it’s always a good idea to vary the type of food you’re giving your glowlight tetra. You might, for instance, opt for flakes for one meal and then switch to live food for the next. This can help provide some nutritional balance to your glowlights’ diet, while at the same time ensuring extra surprise and adding mental stimulation.
How often you feed your pet fish isn’t an exact science, but generally it’s recommended that you divide their feeding routine into multiple smaller meals. In most cases, 2-3 small meals a day should work for your glowlights, though you can always adjust their feeding schedule as needed.
Best Tankmates for Glowlight Tetras
Glowlight tetras are a peaceful and sociable species, so they often do well with many kinds of tankmates. That said, there are some fish species that glowlights tend to interact better with than others. As a rule, I’d suggest other smaller, community fish for tankmates. Other tetras, guppies, rasboras and danios are unlikely to cause any problems.
Smaller bottom-feeders also generally coexist well with glowlight tetras. I’d particularly recommend otocinclus catfish. They don’t grow much bigger than 2 inches, so they adapt well to small tanks. Additionally, they are a peaceful species and don’t usually get into fights or attack other fish. They also have the added benefit of eating algae, which can help clean up your aquarium a little.
