The Head-and-Tail-Light Tetra originates from stagnant waters in the Amazon basin area of South America.   They are an easy fish for beginners to care for.  They get their name from golden/red spot on their upper eye and gold in their tail that resemble a light.  Head-and-Tail-Light Tetras are also known as Beacon fish.  Their body is silver green, the lower fins tips are edged in white and there is a black spot on the tail.  They prefer dim lighting, so floating plant cover is a good idea.  They also like caves.  Typical of most tetras, the Head-and-Tail-Light also likes open space for swimming.  A group of 6 is recommended. They eat flake foods, freeze dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Females are distinguished by the typical tetra broad female body.  Prospective parents should be fed brine shrimp and placed in a well planted aquarium with fine leaved plants for the hundreds of adhesive eggs to stick to.  The water should be soft and the pH should be around 6.  The parents should be removed after spawning.  The fry will hatch within two days and can live off their yolk sac for 3 - 5 days.  The eggs can be light sensitive, so ensure the lighting is very dim to reduce the chance of fungus destroying the eggs.  The young can be fed brine shrimp and then finely ground flake foods.

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