Description

• Keeping Difficulty: Beginner
• Temperament: Peaceful, community fish
• Max Size :4.5cm

Preferred Water Parameters:

• Water Temperature: 23-27 degrees celsius.
• pH Level: 6.0-7.5
• General Hardness: soft (50 – 100ppm)

Hemigrammus ocellifer, commonly referred to as the Head and Tail Light Tetra, is a small, peaceful freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Renowned for its reflective “headlight” and “taillight” markings, it is a popular species in community aquariums due to its hardiness, schooling behavior, and visual appeal. This species thrives in well-maintained aquariums with stable water parameters and appropriate companions.

Features of a Hemigrammus ocellifer

• Grows up to 4.5 cm in length
• Distinct metallic gold spot near the eye and a red-orange mark at the tail base
• Silvery translucent body with slight green or gold hue
• Peaceful temperament, ideal for community tanks
• Schooling species; best kept in groups of 6 or more
• Lifespan typically ranges from 3 to 5 years in optimal conditions

Feeding  Head & Tail Lights

Hemigrammus ocellifer is an omnivore with a preference for a varied diet. High-quality micro pellets or flakes form the nutritional base, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Occasional plant-based additions like blanched spinach or spirulina flakes help ensure nutritional balance.