RED EYE TETRA

The Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) is a robust, attractive freshwater species known for its distinctive red eyes and silver body. They are peaceful, easy to care for, and well-suited for community tanks. Here's a comprehensive care guide to keep your Red Eye Tetras happy and healthy:

1. Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group of 6-8 fish. Red Eye Tetras are active swimmers, so larger tanks are preferred.
• Tank Environment:
  • Provide a combination of open swimming spaces and planted areas.
  • Include plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks to create hiding spots.
  • A dark substrate can enhance their natural coloration.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting; they appreciate subdued lighting, which can be achieved using floating plants or dim lights.

2. Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C) is ideal.
• pH Range: 6.0-7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water is best.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (4-15 dGH).
• Filtration: A good filter is essential for maintaining water quality, but ensure the water flow isn’t too strong, as they prefer moderate currents.

3. Diet

• Primary Diet: High-quality flake or pellet food suitable for tetras.
• Supplementary Foods: They enjoy live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times daily. Offer only what they can eat in a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and water pollution.
• Variety: A varied diet ensures they receive all necessary nutrients and promotes better coloration and health.

4. Tank Mates

• Ideal Tank Mates: Other peaceful fish like Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, and small peaceful cichlids (such as Bolivian Rams).
• Avoid: Aggressive or large predatory species like large cichlids, as well as fin-nippers (e.g., Tiger Barbs) that might harass them.
• Group Size: Red Eye Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and promote natural behavior.