How to Identify Glowlight Tetra

To identify Glowlight Tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is translucent, silvery-pink to light brown, with a prominent, iridescent orange-red stripe extending from the snout through the eye to the base of the caudal fin. The fins are generally clear, sometimes with a faint reddish tint, especially the dorsal and anal fins. The eyes often have a reddish hue.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Bright, iridescent orange-red lateral stripe, Small, slender body, Adipose fin present

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively small, located mid-body.

Tail fin

Forked, transparent.

Pectoral fin

Small, clear, positioned ventrally.

Distinctive fins

Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins, characteristic of characins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Stripe

   The most defining feature is the brilliant, neon-like orange-red stripe running horizontally from the snout to the tail. This stripe is highly reflective and appears to 'glow' under certain lighting conditions.

2. 2

   Size

   Adults typically reach a maximum standard length of 4-4.5 cm (1.6-1.8 inches).

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Slender and elongated, typical of many small tetra species.

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