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Golden Tetra

Sicuro

Hemigrammus rodwayi

Conosciuto anche come: Rodway's Tetra, Gold Tetra

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Descrizione

Hemigrammus rodwayi, commonly known as the Golden Tetra, is a small, schooling freshwater fish belonging to the family Characidae. It is characterized by its iridescent golden-yellow body coloration, which can vary in intensity depending on mood, diet, and water parameters. This species is known for its peaceful demeanor and active swimming habits, making it a popular choice for community aquariums. In its natural habitat, it forms large schools in slow-moving or still waters.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
compressed
Colorazione
The body is generally translucent with an iridescent golden-yellow sheen, particularly along the flanks and dorsal region. A faint, dark lateral line may be present, extending from behind the operculum to the caudal peduncle. The fins are typically hyaline (clear), though the caudal fin may show a reddish tint, especially in males. The eye often has a reddish or golden rim.
Tipo di squame
cycloid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Iridescent golden-yellow body coloration, Small adipose fin, Absence of a distinct humeral spot (distinguishes from some similar Hemigrammus species), Absence of a distinct caudal spot (distinguishes from some similar Hemigrammus species)
Pinna dorsale
Single, relatively short dorsal fin with 10-11 rays, positioned mid-body.
Pinna caudale
Forked caudal fin, typically hyaline or with a slight reddish tint.
Pinna pettorale
Paired pectoral fins, small and hyaline.
Pinne distintive
Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins, characteristic of characins.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Body Coloration

Look for the characteristic iridescent golden-yellow sheen over a translucent body. The intensity of the gold can vary.

Absence of Spots

Unlike many other Hemigrammus species, H. rodwayi typically lacks prominent humeral (shoulder) or caudal (tail base) spots, which is a key differentiating feature.

Fin Coloration

Fins are generally clear (hyaline), though the caudal fin may have a subtle reddish hue, especially in breeding males.

Size

Adults typically reach a maximum standard length of about 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches).

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
freshwater
Profondità
Typically found in shallow waters, often near the surface or in the mid-water column.
Ambiente
Inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, and flooded forest areas. Prefers areas with dense aquatic vegetation, submerged roots, and leaf litter, which provide shelter and foraging opportunities. Water is often soft and acidic, with a dark, tannin-stained appearance (blackwater or clearwater).
Areale geografico
Native to South America, primarily found in the Amazon River basin, including tributaries in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and parts of Brazil.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: beginner
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Dieta: omnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small school
  • Temperatura: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
  • Livello di pH: 5.5-7.5
  • Durezza: 2-15 dGH
  • Compatibilità: Excellent for community tanks with other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as other tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-planted aquarium with open swimming spaces. Benefits from subdued lighting and a dark substrate to enhance its coloration. Best kept in schools of 6 or more individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season in their natural habitat, when water levels rise and food sources are abundant. Availability in the aquarium trade is generally consistent year-round due to captive breeding.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate for aquarium trade
  • Importanza commerciale: medium
  • Sapore: Not typically consumed due to small size.
  • Consistenza: Not typically consumed due to small size.
  • Valore nutrizionale: Not typically consumed due to small size.

Fatti chiave

Schooling Behaviorbehavior

Hemigrammus rodwayi is a highly social species that thrives in large schools. Keeping them in groups of 6 or more significantly reduces stress and encourages their natural behaviors, such as synchronized swimming.

Coloration Enhancementinteresting

The 'golden' coloration of the Golden Tetra is often more pronounced and vibrant when kept in an aquarium with subdued lighting, dark substrate, and tannin-stained water (blackwater conditions), mimicking their natural habitat.

Dietary Flexibilitybehavior

While primarily omnivorous, Golden Tetras are opportunistic feeders in the wild, consuming small invertebrates, zooplankton, and plant matter. In captivity, a varied diet of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and live/frozen foods (e.g., daphnia, brine shrimp) is crucial for their health and coloration.

Taxonomic Stabilityevolution

Hemigrammus rodwayi has maintained its scientific name without significant taxonomic changes or synonyms since its description, indicating a stable classification within the Characidae family.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: not recommended
  • Note sul maneggio: Hemigrammus rodwayi is a small, delicate fish. Handle with care using a fine-mesh net to avoid injury to fins or scales. No specific safety precautions are required beyond general fish handling practices.

Specie simili

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

H. erythrozonus has a distinct, bright orange-red stripe running horizontally along its body, whereas H. rodwayi exhibits a more diffuse golden-yellow iridescence and lacks a prominent stripe.

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

P. innesi has a brilliant iridescent blue stripe above a red stripe, and a more slender body shape. H. rodwayi lacks these distinct stripes and has a more robust body with golden coloration.

Black Neon Tetra

Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi

H. herbertaxelrodi has two distinct horizontal stripes: a bright iridescent white/silver stripe above a solid black stripe. H. rodwayi lacks these prominent stripes and has a golden body.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Characiformes
Famiglia
Characidae
Genere
Hemigrammus
Specie
Hemigrammus rodwayi

Esplora Golden Tetra

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