Head & Tail Light Tetra 3cm

Description

Head & Tail Light Tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer)

Peaceful, hardy and beautifully reflective, the Head & Tail Light Tetra is a classic South American schooling fish named for the bright reflective markings around the eye and tail base. Kept in a proper group, Hemigrammus ocellifer adds gentle movement and subtle silver-gold sparkle to planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hemigrammus ocellifer
  • Common names: Head & Tail Light Tetra, Head-and-Tail Light Tetra, Beacon Tetra
  • Origin: South America
  • Adult size: Approximately 4–5 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Swimming level: Midwater
  • Best kept: Groups of at least 6, with larger groups preferred

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a peaceful schooling tetra.
  • You enjoy planted community aquariums.
  • You prefer subtle silver and gold colouration.
  • You want an active but manageable midwater fish.
  • You are looking for a hardy species suitable for newer aquarists.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You intend to keep only one or two individuals.
  • Your aquarium is not properly cycled.
  • You keep large aggressive fish likely to intimidate or eat small tetras.
  • You want a solitary centrepiece species.

Why choose Head & Tail Light Tetras?

The Head & Tail Light Tetra is an understated species that becomes much more impressive when settled into a planted aquarium.

Its translucent silver body is accented by reflective markings near the eye and at the base of the tail, producing the characteristic “headlight” and “taillight” effect that gives the species its common name.

They are peaceful social fish and look best moving together through the middle of the aquarium in a proper group.

Their hardy nature, modest adult size and straightforward feeding requirements make them an excellent choice for peaceful community setups.

Benefits

  • Peaceful community temperament
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Attractive reflective head and tail markings
  • Active schooling behaviour
  • Easy to feed
  • Manageable adult size
  • Excellent for planted community aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: Approximately 23–27°C
  • pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
  • Water: Clean, stable and well oxygenated
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Staple foods: Quality flakes and appropriately sized micro-pellets
  • Supplement with: Brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms
  • Flow: Gentle to moderate
  • Setup: Plants around the sides and rear with open midwater swimming space
  • Regular water changes help maintain strong colour and condition.
  • Keep in a proper social group.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Other peaceful tetras
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Corydoras
  • Small peaceful gouramis
  • Dwarf cichlids with suitable temperament
  • Other peaceful community fish of similar size
NTA Insight:
Head & Tail Light Tetras are easy to overlook when seen individually in a dealer tank. Keep six or more together in a planted aquarium with slightly subdued lighting and their reflective eye and tail markings become much more noticeable. A larger group also gives you more confident, natural schooling behaviour.

FAQ

What is the scientific name of the Head & Tail Light Tetra?

The accepted scientific name is Hemigrammus ocellifer.

How large do Head & Tail Light Tetras grow?

Adults generally reach approximately 4–5 cm.

How many should I keep?

Keep at least six, although a larger group is preferable where aquarium size allows.

Are Head & Tail Light Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful schooling fish well suited to community aquariums with similarly peaceful species.

What should I feed them?

Offer quality flakes or small pellets as a staple and supplement them with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp may coexist with them in a well-planted aquarium, but very small shrimplets can be treated as food.

Do they need a heater?

In most Australian homes a heater is recommended to maintain a stable tropical temperature, particularly during cooler periods.

Can Head & Tail Light Tetras breed in aquariums?

Yes. They are egg-scattering fish and provide no parental care. Adults may consume eggs and fry, so a dedicated breeding setup improves survival.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their peaceful temperament, hardiness and straightforward feeding requirements make them a good beginner community fish once the aquarium is properly cycled.

How long do they live?

With clean water, good nutrition and appropriate social conditions, they commonly live for around 3–5 years.

Head & Tail Light Tetra 3cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

SKU: 22010

📍 In-Store Locations: OFFLOCATION1
📦 Arrival Date: 14 August 2026

 

$6.95


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Head & Tail Light Tetra (Hemigrammus ocellifer)

    Peaceful, hardy and beautifully reflective, the Head & Tail Light Tetra is a classic South American schooling fish named for the bright reflective markings around the eye and tail base. Kept in a proper group, Hemigrammus ocellifer adds gentle movement and subtle silver-gold sparkle to planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hemigrammus ocellifer
    • Common names: Head & Tail Light Tetra, Head-and-Tail Light Tetra, Beacon Tetra
    • Origin: South America
    • Adult size: Approximately 4–5 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Swimming level: Midwater
    • Best kept: Groups of at least 6, with larger groups preferred

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a peaceful schooling tetra.
    • You enjoy planted community aquariums.
    • You prefer subtle silver and gold colouration.
    • You want an active but manageable midwater fish.
    • You are looking for a hardy species suitable for newer aquarists.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You intend to keep only one or two individuals.
    • Your aquarium is not properly cycled.
    • You keep large aggressive fish likely to intimidate or eat small tetras.
    • You want a solitary centrepiece species.

    Why choose Head & Tail Light Tetras?

    The Head & Tail Light Tetra is an understated species that becomes much more impressive when settled into a planted aquarium.

    Its translucent silver body is accented by reflective markings near the eye and at the base of the tail, producing the characteristic “headlight” and “taillight” effect that gives the species its common name.

    They are peaceful social fish and look best moving together through the middle of the aquarium in a proper group.

    Their hardy nature, modest adult size and straightforward feeding requirements make them an excellent choice for peaceful community setups.

    Benefits

    • Peaceful community temperament
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Attractive reflective head and tail markings
    • Active schooling behaviour
    • Easy to feed
    • Manageable adult size
    • Excellent for planted community aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: Approximately 23–27°C
    • pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5
    • Water: Clean, stable and well oxygenated
    • Diet: Omnivorous
    • Staple foods: Quality flakes and appropriately sized micro-pellets
    • Supplement with: Brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms
    • Flow: Gentle to moderate
    • Setup: Plants around the sides and rear with open midwater swimming space
    • Regular water changes help maintain strong colour and condition.
    • Keep in a proper social group.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Other peaceful tetras
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Corydoras
    • Small peaceful gouramis
    • Dwarf cichlids with suitable temperament
    • Other peaceful community fish of similar size
    NTA Insight:
    Head & Tail Light Tetras are easy to overlook when seen individually in a dealer tank. Keep six or more together in a planted aquarium with slightly subdued lighting and their reflective eye and tail markings become much more noticeable. A larger group also gives you more confident, natural schooling behaviour.

    FAQ

    What is the scientific name of the Head & Tail Light Tetra?

    The accepted scientific name is Hemigrammus ocellifer.

    How large do Head & Tail Light Tetras grow?

    Adults generally reach approximately 4–5 cm.

    How many should I keep?

    Keep at least six, although a larger group is preferable where aquarium size allows.

    Are Head & Tail Light Tetras peaceful?

    Yes. They are peaceful schooling fish well suited to community aquariums with similarly peaceful species.

    What should I feed them?

    Offer quality flakes or small pellets as a staple and supplement them with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp may coexist with them in a well-planted aquarium, but very small shrimplets can be treated as food.

    Do they need a heater?

    In most Australian homes a heater is recommended to maintain a stable tropical temperature, particularly during cooler periods.

    Can Head & Tail Light Tetras breed in aquariums?

    Yes. They are egg-scattering fish and provide no parental care. Adults may consume eggs and fry, so a dedicated breeding setup improves survival.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their peaceful temperament, hardiness and straightforward feeding requirements make them a good beginner community fish once the aquarium is properly cycled.

    How long do they live?

    With clean water, good nutrition and appropriate social conditions, they commonly live for around 3–5 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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