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With its slender body, subtle iridescence, and a warm honey-gold glow, the Honey Stick Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi) is a graceful and underrated schooling fish perfect for peaceful community tanks. Often mistaken for similar species, this tetra stands out with its shimmering golden tones and active, yet non-aggressive temperament.
Species: Hemigrammus rodwayi
Common Names: Honey Stick Tetra, Golden Tetra, Rodway’s Tetra
Origin: South America – Amazon and Essequibo River basins
Light Requirements: Moderate – best colouration under soft or subdued lighting
Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys high-quality flakes, micro pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
Maximum Size: 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful and schooling
Care Level: Easy
Aquarium Setup:
Best kept in tanks of 60 litres or more, with soft, slightly acidic water, and plenty of plant cover. This species thrives in blackwater-style setups with driftwood, leaf litter, and gentle filtration. As a schooling fish, it should always be kept in groups of six or more to encourage natural social behaviour and reduce stress.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
Growth and Maintenance:
The Honey Stick Tetra is hardy and beginner-friendly, making it ideal for community setups. When kept in good water conditions and a stable environment, it can live up to 5 years. Their subtle golden sheen becomes more pronounced with proper lighting and a varied diet rich in colour-enhancing nutrients.
Care Tips:
✔ Keep in schools for best health and behaviour
✔ Use dark substrates and plants to bring out natural colouration
✔ Maintain high water quality with regular partial water changes
✔ Avoid boisterous or aggressive tankmates
✔ Supplement diet with live or frozen foods for optimal health
Compatibility:
Excellent for peaceful community aquariums. Ideal tankmates include Corydoras, small rasboras, other peaceful tetras, dwarf gouramis, and non-aggressive dwarf cichlids. Avoid fin-nippers or larger predatory species.
Availability:
Occasionally available in the Australian aquarium trade. Sometimes sold under different names like Golden Tetra—ask us to confirm ID when purchasing.
Disclaimer:
"Honey Stick Tetras are social and gentle—always keep in schools and provide calm surroundings to promote natural schooling behaviour."