From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Red Eye Tetra
Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6 – 8
- Min. tank size
- 103 L
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Diet
- omnivore
- Care level
- easy
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae |
| Family: | Acestrorhamphidae |
| Origin: | South America (Paraguay, Paraná and lower Amazon basins) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | easy |
| Diet: | omnivore |
| Max Size: | 7.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | semi aggressive |
| Min Group: | 6+ together |
| Varieties: | No cultivated colour strains — the wild-type fish is what is sold, and its markings are the silver body, the red upper half of the eye and the black bar across the caudal peduncle. Almost all trade stock is commercially bred, and quality is generally good. Taxonomy is where the confusion lies. The species has been shuffled between genera and the correct spelling of the epithet is disputed, so shop labels carry Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae, M. sanctaefilomenoe and various abbreviations. More importantly, several similar Moenkhausia reach the trade and are sold under this name. M. oligolepis, the glass tetra, is larger and lacks the red eye. M. pittieri, the diamond tetra, is a different-looking fish entirely, deeper-bodied with iridescent scaling, and is a better choice for a peaceful community. The yellowtail or red-eye tetra group as a whole shares the nipping tendency and the requirement for numbers, so the advice on group size applies to any of them. |
| Lifespan: | 5 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Low to medium
- Min Tank:103 L
- Substrate:Gravel or sand; planted with open swimming space
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe
- Filtration:Moderate
Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) is a species of fish in the family Acestrorhamphidae. It is native to South America (Paraguay, Paraná and lower Amazon basins). The red eye tetra is a silver fish with a red-topped eye and a black-and-silver tail base, and it is more substantial than most community tetras — 70 mm standard length, against 30 to 40 for a neon or an ember. That size, along with its speed, is what makes it a useful fish and a slightly demanding one. It is fast, constantly active, and it uses the whole tank. It is also a nipper if under-schooled. Kept in insufficient numbers it harasses tank mates; kept in a group of six to eight the behaviour redirects into the school and largely stops. The specialist minimum tank is a 90 × 30 cm base at around 103 litres. Water is not the problem: pH 6.0–8.0 and 3–20 dGH covers most tap supplies, at 22–26 °C (72–79 °F).
Compatibility
- Temperament
- semi aggressive
- Keep in
- Groups of 6+
- Swims
- middle
- Fin nipper
- Yes
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Red Eye Tetra
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