Redeye Tetra is a tropical fish with the scientific name Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae.
It lives in rivers across eastern and central South America, like São Francisco, upper Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
This freshwater fish is popular in aquariums and is bred in large numbers in Eastern Europe and Asia. Redeye Tetras can live for about 5 years.
These fish are part of a group with two other similar species: M. forestii (found in the upper Paraguay and upper Paraná basins) and M. oligolepis (found in Amazon and Paraguay basins, as well as the Guianas).
Redeye Tetras eat worms, insects, crustaceans, and plants. When keeping them in an aquarium, it’s best to have at least 5 together, with an aquarium size of at least 80 cm (about 31 inches).
Redeye Tetra Interesting Facts
- Redeye Tetras are popular aquarium fish native to eastern and central South America.
- These fish have a silver body, white-edged black tail, and red circle around their eye.
- They eat a variety of food including worms, insects, crustaceans, and plants.
- In aquariums, they thrive best in groups of at least 5 with temperatures between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
Redeye Tetra Habitat
Redeye Tetra originates from South America, specifically the Paranaíba, São Francisco, upper Parana, Paraguay, and Uruguay River basins.
This fish lives in freshwater and swim near the bottom of the water (benthopelagic). The ideal pH range is 6.0 to 8.0 with a water hardness (dH) between 5 to 19.
This tropical fish thrives in water temperatures between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Redeye Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.8 inches (7.0 centimeters)
Redeye Tetra grows up to 2.8 inches (7.0 centimeters) long.
It has a bright silver body with a white-edged black tail and a thin red circle around its eye.
Redeye Tetra Reproduction
Redeye Tetras reproduce in pairs or groups. However, it’s important to note that they eat their own eggs.
Redeye Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Moenkhausia |
| Scientific Name: | Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae |
| Also Known As: | Redeye Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |