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

Community Tank

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.

For more information on Red-Eye Tetras: