Gold Tetra

Appearance and Coloration

The striking gold coloration of the Gold Tetra is actually a unique natural phenomenon:

• Wild Color: In the wild, the shimmering gold color is caused by a skin reaction (guanine deposit) the fish develops when exposed to a specific type of trematode parasite.
• Captive Color: Tank-bred fish are usually a more subdued, attractive silvery-gray/yellow with iridescent scales. They still retain a shimmer, but the vibrant, burnished gold of wild imports is often a result of the parasite exposure, which is naturally absent in clean aquariums.
• Markings: They have a faint black spot at the base of the tail, and males have a white leading edge and more red pigmentation on their anal fins.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons is ideal for a community tank and a healthy school.
• Schooling: Keep them in schools of at least 8–10 individuals. They are timid and stressed if kept alone.
• Temperature: Warm tropical range: 75°–82° F (24°–28° C).
• pH Level: Prefers soft, slightly acidic water: 6.0 to 7.0. The addition of driftwood and Indian almond leaves to create “blackwater” is highly recommended to enhance their security and color.
• Aquascape: They appreciate a heavily planted tank with subdued lighting. Provide plenty of cover from floating plants, but leave open swimming space in the middle for their active schooling.

Diet and Feeding

The Gold Tetra is an omnivorous micro-predator.

• Staple Diet: High-quality flakes and small pellets.
• Supplementation: A varied diet with protein is necessary for their best health: Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and Bloodworms (frozen or live). They readily accept food from the mid-water column and surface.