Red Eye Tetra - Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Redeye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) constitutes an exemplary selection for community aquariums, offering both serenity and vitality. These fish are ideally suited for novice aquarists seeking to enhance their aquarium's aesthetic appeal with their graceful presence.
Possessing a robust constitution, Redeye Tetras are capable of asserting themselves without becoming vulnerable to predation by other species. Naturally inclined to form schools, it is imperative to maintain them in groups of six or more to foster a harmonious environment and mitigate any potential aggression toward other aquatic inhabitants. This practice not only ensures the well-being of the Redeye Tetras but also contributes to a more visually dynamic and naturalistic aquatic display. Suitable companions for Red Eye Tetras encompass Tetras of comparable size, larger species of Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Barbs, and most Danios, in addition to benthic species like Corydoras Catfish and Botia Loaches.
Red Eye Tetras flourish in diligently maintained aquariums, exhibiting a preference for subdued lighting and a tastefully adorned habitat. To achieve an exquisite aquascape, one may consider emulating an Amazonian biotope arrangement characterized by a sandy foundation, driftwood branches, and intricately twisted roots. Incorporating dried foliage, such as beech or oak leaves, will enhance the authenticity of the environment, providing a touch of natural elegance.
In terms of appearance, Red Eye Tetras have a bright silver body with black colouring on the base of their caudal fin, edged with white. Their name derives from the slender, vivid red ring encircling their eye, rendering them a visually appealing addition to any aquarium.
Red Eye Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between a male and female Redeye Tetra may pose some difficulty. Nonetheless, a few physical differences can aid in sex identification. Females, particularly those carrying eggs, tend to be slightly larger than males and display a more rotund abdominal region.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1907 |
| Other Names | Lamp eye tetra |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Moenkhausia |
| Origins | Uruguay , Paraguay , Brazil , Argentina |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| KH | 4 - 8 |
| TDS | 100 - 200 |
| ℉ | 72 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
Redeye Tetras originate from the continent of South America, with their distribution spanning across Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. They are predominantly situated within the Sao Francisco, upper Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay River Basins in the eastern and central regions of South America. These tetras favour the moderately flowing, translucent waters of major rivers, though they are also encountered amidst the dense flora of the turbid Amazon. Incorporating Redeye Tetras into your aquarium not only highlights their distinctive allure but also supports the endeavours aimed at their preservation.
Breeding
Redeye Tetras are egg-scattering free spawners and do not provide parental care. However, if you aim to produce a higher yield of fry, it is recommended to prepare a separate breeding tank. This tank should have established water, dim lighting, and plenty of plants or spawning mops. You should also condition the breeding pairs with live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods, such as bloodworms or mosquito larvae, to encourage reproduction.
During spawning, the females become more active, and males bump into them. The fish then lock their fins and perform a somersault movement in the plants. At this point, the female scatters her eggs, and the male fertilises them. Females can lay several hundred eggs during a single spawning.
After the females have stopped scattering their eggs and the males have fertilized them, it's advisable to remove the adults from the breeding tank. You should keep the tank dark, as Tetra eggs and fry are especially susceptible to light. The eggs will hatch in 24 to 48 hours, depending on the temperature, and the fry will become free-swimming three to four days later.
The newly hatched fry will feed on their yolk sac initially. Once they become free-swimming, you can provide them with rotifers or infusoria, moving on to baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes as they grow.
Diet & Feeding
Frequently asked questions
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