The Balloon Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae – balloon variant) is a compact, eye-catching fish known for its signature bright red eye and rounded, balloon-like body shape. At just 2cm, these juveniles are peaceful, hardy, and ideal for both new and seasoned aquarists. Their slow, graceful swimming and distinctive body make them stand out in any planted or community aquarium.

This morph is a selectively bred variant of the classic Red Eye Tetra, designed to emphasize a shorter, more rounded body without altering the species’ calm demeanor and ease of care.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (Balloon morph)

• Common Name: Balloon Red Eye Tetra

• Size: 2cm (juvenile; adults typically reach 4–5cm)

• Lifespan: 4–6 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Origin: South America (bred from wild types)

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

This variant is hardy and adapts well to a range of typical tropical freshwater conditions.

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 4–15 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Filtration: Moderate, with gentle current

• Lighting: Moderate to highlight their reflective scales and eye glow

Provide open swimming areas with background plants for shelter.

🐟 Tank Mates

Balloon Red Eye Tetras are peaceful and social, best suited for calm community tanks.

Compatible tank mates:

• Other peaceful tetras (Neon, Glowlight, Rummy Nose)

• Rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Dwarf gouramis

• Otocinclus

• Mollies, Platies, and other livebearers

• Shrimp and snails (avoid very small shrimp)

Avoid:

• Aggressive fish

• Fin-nippers

• Very large or predatory species

They thrive in groups of 6–8 or more, where schooling behavior reduces stress and boosts color.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Balloon Red Eye Tetras are omnivores with an easygoing appetite.

Ideal diet includes:

• High-quality flakes or micro pellets

• Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

• Freeze-dried tubifex or krill

• Vegetable-based flakes or spirulina for variety

Feed once or twice daily, offering portions that can be finished within 2–3 minutes.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Weekly water changes (20–30%)

• Maintain stable temperature and pH

• Avoid strong currents that may tire balloon-shaped fish

• Use gentle filtration and soft lighting

• Keep a secure lid—they may jump when startled

Balloon morphs may be less agile swimmers, so avoid sharp décor and ensure tank mates don’t outcompete them for food.

🌿 Why Choose the Balloon Red Eye Tetra?

The Balloon Red Eye Tetra adds a unique silhouette and splash of color to peaceful tanks. With its glowing eye, rounded body, and gentle schooling behavior, it makes a lovely contrast to slender tetras and rasboras. Low-maintenance and beginner-friendly, it's a great fit for planted aquariums and community setups alike.

Add personality and peaceful beauty to your tank—bring home Balloon Red Eye Tetras today!