Red Eye Tetra 3cm

The Red Eye Tetra adds a touch of glamour to a freshwater community aquarium. Its metallic look, dynamic energy, and signature red eye with its pop of color combine to create an elegant display when kept in a school of six or more. This fish is also a good choice as a beginner fish. Water conditions fluctuate wildly in its natural habitat, so this fish can tolerate a wide range of differences and changes. The Red Eye tetra is a relatively larger tetra (7 cm adult size) and should ideally be housed in a 80 litre or larger aquarium.

Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) are found in South America in Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil. In the wild, they inhabit clear rivers but can sometimes be found living in the thick vegetation of the murky Amazon. Aquarium specimens are now bred extensively in Asia.  Some of its common names are yellow-banded moenkhausia, yellowback moenkhausia, yellowhead tetra, lamp eye tetra

Behaviour

Red eye tetras are very peaceful; they are best kept in schools of six or more and will claim the mid-portion of the aquarium. Although they are easygoing, some owners report that they occasionally nip at the fins of slow-moving, long-finned fish.

Tank Conditions

These fish do not prefer fast-moving currents, so make sure to angle the filters to avoid disturbing them. Their ideal aquarium includes live plants, driftwood, and rocks to recreate their natural habitat and offer spaces to hide. Since this is a relatively large tetra, they require a 80 litre tank or larger.

Red eye tetras tolerate a range of water conditions, from hard alkaline to soft acidic water. In nature, these fish come from regions with dense forests that let little light through, so keep their tank dimly lit; use dark substrate and plant cover along the sides and back of the aquarium.

Compatibility

Red Eye Tetras are very peaceful and they are best kept in schools of six or more which will claim the mid-portion of the aquarium. Although they are easygoing, some owners report that they occasionally nip at the fins of slow-moving, long-finned fish. They are very active in the middle section of the tank and may disturb less active top-dwelling fish. In addition, other tetras may pick on them at times, so keep an eye on the community.

These tetras do well in a community tank. Good tankmates are other tetras, rainbowfish, barbs, danios and the larger rasboras. Most peaceful bottom dwellers will also make good tankmates.

Feeding

Red eye tetras are omnivores, meaning they will eat a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed on worms, crustaceans, and insects. In captivity, you can feed them fine flake food, small granules, live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex, and frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms. Offer a variety of food, including live foods, to ensure good health.  Vegetables should be offered regularly to bring out their best colors and appearance. Spinach is a great choice for this fish.

Care

For these tetras, at least 25 to 50 percent of the water should be replaced every other week.  They can tolerate a range of water conditions, from hard alkaline to soft acidic water.

See Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets for help with diagnosing and treating diseases.