Golden Jewel Tetra 'Rio Araguaia' (Hyphessobrycon moniliger)

Common Name

Jeweled Tetra

Scientific name

Hyphessobrycon moniliger   |   Origin, Araguaia–Tocantins basin, central Brazil

Origin and Habitat

Native to the Araguaia River system and connected Tocantins drainage in central Brazil with records from clear to softly tea tinted streams and backwaters. Shorelines are warm, low in hardness, and well oxygenated, with fine sand, leaf litter, and overhanging vegetation. Jeweled Tetras cruise the midwater in loose groups, slipping into shaded margins when startled, then returning to pick drifting micro foods.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred range is 73 to 79 F, which is 23 to 26 C. Wild water is usually soft and mildly acidic to near neutral, commonly about pH 5.5 to 7.0 depending on site and season. In home aquaria we do not recommend chasing exact numbers except for special breeding work. Stable, clean, well oxygenated water is far more important for long term success.

Appearance and Size

A petite, luminous tetra with a golden rose body and a necklace like chain of fine iridescence along the flanks that inspired the common name. Fins are mostly translucent with a faint dusk at the tips. Males often color a shade deeper and carry slightly longer fin edges. Maximum length is about 4 cm total length, roughly 1.5 inches.

Diet in the Wild

Opportunistic picker. Takes tiny insects at the surface, micro crustaceans, algae filaments, and edible biofilm drifting in slow margins and among leaves in quiet side channels of the Araguaia.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer a varied mix of quality micro pellets, fine flakes, and small live or frozen items like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops. Several small feedings each day bring out color and keep the school active. Floating plants and dappled light help shy groups feel secure so they feed boldly in the open.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful and best in a real group. Keep at least eight so they display schooling runs and gentle sparring among males. A planted layout with fine sand, leaf litter pockets, and wood creates the shaded lanes they prefer. Provide gentle flow with high oxygen, and pair with other small calm characins, dwarf Corys, and peaceful nano fish that enjoy warm clean water.

Breeding

Open water egg scatterer with a preference for fine leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition adults with small live and frozen foods for one to two weeks. Set a separate breeding tank with soft water, fine plants or mops, and very gentle flow. Introduce a well conditioned pair or small group late in the day. Spawning usually occurs at first light, eggs fall among plants and into mesh or marbles. Remove adults after spawning to protect the eggs. Eggs typically hatch in one to two days depending on temperature. Start fry on infusoria or paramecium for the first days, then transition to newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered fry foods. Keep light subdued and change small amounts of water daily to keep conditions pristine.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon moniliger
• Origin: Araguaia–Tocantins basin in central Brazil
• Adult size: about 4 cm total length, roughly 1.5 inches
• Temperature: 73 to 79 F (23 to 26 C)
• Wild pH: about 5.5 to 7.0, soft to near neutral water
• Temperament: peaceful schooling tetra
• Diet: micro predator and picker, accepts quality prepared and small frozen foods
• Breeding: plant spawning egg scatterer, remove adults after spawning

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Jeweled Tetras are not common in the trade. When they do show up it is often in small, seasonal batches tied to collecting windows in central Brazil, which makes a healthy group feel extra special in a planted scape. The soft golden rose body with that subtle necklace glow reads beautifully under dappled light. If you want a project fish, this is a great candidate to establish a home bred line so more hobbyists can enjoy them.