Red Eye Tetra – Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
The Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) is a hardy freshwater schooling fish known for its bright red eye, shimmering silver body, and bold black-and-white tail accents. This classic tetra brings movement, contrast, and activity to planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.
Red Eye Tetras are active swimmers and do best in groups, where their natural schooling behavior helps them feel secure and creates a lively aquarium display. Their durability, attractive markings, and energetic personality make them a great choice for beginner to intermediate freshwater hobbyists.
Key Features
- Bright red eye coloration
- Shimmering silver body with black-and-white tail accents
- Hardy freshwater schooling fish
- Active swimmer for community aquariums
- Good choice for beginner to intermediate aquarists
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
- Common Name: Red Eye Tetra
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful to active
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.75 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1–1.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.8
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Red Eye Tetras?
Red Eye Tetras are valued for their bold contrast, active swimming behavior, and hardy nature. Their silver bodies and bright red eyes create a clean, classic look that stands out in larger community aquariums.
Because they are active schooling fish, Red Eye Tetras look best in groups with plenty of open swimming space. They are a great option for aquarists who want a durable tetra with more energy and presence than smaller nano species.
Ideal Tank Setup
Red Eye Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space, plants, and decor for cover. They appreciate room to move, so a 20 gallon or larger aquarium is recommended for a proper group.
Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and darker backgrounds can help them feel secure while showing off their silver coloration and red eyes. Maintain clean, stable water conditions with regular water changes and reliable filtration.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful barbs
- Rainbowfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Peaceful community cichlids with caution
- Snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Very small nano fish that may be intimidated
- Slow-moving long-finned fish if nipping occurs
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Fish that require very different water conditions
Diet & Feeding
Red Eye Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of aquarium foods. Feed high-quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support healthy color, activity, and overall condition. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space
- Add plants and decor for security
- Use peaceful, appropriately sized tankmates
- Maintain clean, stable water quality
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Eye Tetras good for beginners?
Yes. Red Eye Tetras are hardy, active, and generally easy to care for in a stable, properly cycled freshwater aquarium.
How many Red Eye Tetras should be kept together?
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more. Larger groups often show better behavior, confidence, and display.
Are Red Eye Tetras aggressive?
They are generally peaceful, but they are active schooling fish. Keeping them in a proper group and providing enough swimming space helps reduce stress and chasing.
Do Red Eye Tetras work in planted tanks?
Yes. Red Eye Tetras do well in planted aquariums, especially when the tank also has open swimming space.
How big do Red Eye Tetras get?
They typically reach approximately 2–2.75 inches as adults.
What do Red Eye Tetras eat?
They eat flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and activity.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Red Eye Tetras are hardy active schooling fish for planted aquariums, larger community tanks, and freshwater displays. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, schooling fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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