The gold tetra, or Rodway's tetra[1] (Hemigrammus rodwayi) is a species of small freshwater fish in the family Characidae native to lowland South America,[2] where they are abundant in coastal floodplains.

[3] Their name comes from a powdery golden tint on their body that is thought to be caused by internal parasites.

[4] Gold tetras are peaceful, hardy, schooling community fish.

[5] Gold tetras have been successfully bred in captivity.

[6] The patronym was given by Marion Durban Ellis in honor of James Rodway (1848-1926), a renowned naturalist of British Guiana, who aided Carl Eigenmann’s collecting trips in South America.