Red-Eye Tetra
Genus name: Moenkhausia Sanctaefilomenae
Distribution: South America: Brazil and Paraquay
Length: up to 2.4″ (6cm)
Water Temperature: 70-79F (21-26C)
Diet: Worms, small crustaceans, plant matter, dried food
Water: soft to medium-hard water preferred
Lives: In the middle areas of the aquarium
The Red-Eye Tetra was introduced to aquariums in the 1950’s, and they have been popular ever since. They live in small shoals, mainly in the middle water layers.
It is a hardy community fish, and an active swimmer, however Red-Eye Tetra have been known to nip the fins of long-finned fish, so be aware of this when setting up the aquarium. Red-Eye Tetra should be kept in a spacious aquarium with tough plants arranged to leave sufficient open water for swimming.
Red-Eye Tetra do have a habit of nibbling any soft plants, so hardier varieties may be best in an aquarium with them.
The Red-Eye Tetra is mainly silver in colour, whilst its back is a pale green/brown and iridescent. The base of the tail carries a broad black transverse bar. The most noticeable feature, and the reason it is called a Red-Eye Tetra, is the upper part of the eye, which is a brilliant blood red.
Most of the time it is not easy to tell the difference between male and female Red-Eye Tetra. However, the female gets a very rounded belly when ready to spawn. Red-Eye Tetra breed quite readily, but they will eat their own eggs and young.
The Red-Eye Tetra is generally a peaceful fish, and is ideal for a beginner.