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Arcy Aquariums

Tetra - Head and Tail Light (Hemigrammus ocellifer)

Tetra - Head and Tail Light (Hemigrammus ocellifer)

Regular price $5.95 AUD
Regular price Sale price $5.95 AUD
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Head and Tail Light (Hemigrammus ocellifer)

Add a captivating glow to your community aquarium with the Head and Tail Light Tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer)! Also widely known as the Beacon Tetra, these remarkably hardy freshwater fish feature translucent silver-gold bodies accented by two brilliant, light-reflective copper spots—one by the eye and one at the base of the tail. Reaching an adult size of 4 to 5 cm, they are peaceful, highly adaptable schoolers that are perfect for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike.
Bring your aquarium to life with a timeless hobby favorite. Hailing from the slow-moving rivers and floodplains of the Amazon Basin in South America, the Head and Tail Light Tetra is celebrated for its peaceful nature, tight schooling behavior, and distinct visual charm.
Their name comes from a pair of highly reflective iridescent spots that shimmer like tiny headlights and taillights under aquarium lighting. This unique coloration serves as a natural defense mechanism in the wild to confuse predators, but in the home aquarium, it creates a striking shimmering effect as they tightly cruise together through the mid-to-upper levels of the tank.
As a captive-bred staple, this species is incredibly resilient. They comfortably tolerate a broad range of water parameters, making them an excellent choice for newly cycled aquariums or mixed tropical setups. They are entirely non-aggressive, making them ideal companions for other small community fish.

✨ Key Features & Highlights

  • "Glowing" Iridescence: Copper-orange spots catch the light, making them stand out brilliantly against dark backgrounds and green plants.
  • Incredibly Hardy: Highly adaptable to varied water chemistry, making them beginner-friendly.
  • Excellent Schoolers: Best kept in groups of 6 or more to witness active, synchronized directional swimming.
  • 100% Community Safe: Peaceful behavior makes them compatible with other tetras, livebearers, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids.

📋 Quick Care & Specifications

To help your new arrivals showcase their best colors, we recommend the following parameters:
Parameter Recommended Range
Minimum Tank Size 60–70 Litres (For a proper school)
Water Temperature 22°C – 28°C
pH Range 5.5 – 7.5 (Prefers slightly acidic to neutral)
Diet Omnivore (Accepts high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen foods)
Temperament Peaceful, active mid-to-top water schooler
Max Adult Size 4.0 – 5.0 cm
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