Red Eye Tetra (3cm) is a peaceful and hardy schooling fish with a shimmering silver body and a striking red eye—perfect for planted or community aquariums.

The Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) is a popular, peaceful, and active schooling fish known for its reflective silver body, accented by a bold red marking over each eye and a subtle black tail edge. At 3cm, this juvenile already shows its signature red-eye feature and is well-suited for community tanks, planted setups, and beginner aquarists.

Native to South America—particularly Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay—this tetra thrives in a range of water conditions and adds shimmer and activity to mid-level swimming zones in the aquarium.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae

• Common Name: Red Eye Tetra

• Size: 3cm (juvenile; adults reach 5–6cm)

• Lifespan: 4–6 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, schooling

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Origin: South America (Paraná and São Francisco river basins)

• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

🌊 Water Conditions

Red Eye Tetras are adaptable and hardy, making them perfect for a wide range of freshwater tank setups.

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 3–15 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons

• Water Type: Freshwater

• Filtration: Moderate to strong flow; clean and well-oxygenated

• Lighting: Moderate; highlights their reflective scales

Decorate with live plants, driftwood, and swimming space to create a comfortable environment.

🐟 Tank Mates

Red Eye Tetras are peaceful and social, making them great for most community tanks.

Compatible tank mates include:

• Other peaceful tetras (Glowlight, Black Skirt, Lemon)

• Rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Gouramis (Dwarf, Honey)

• Rainbowfish

• Peaceful livebearers

• Otocinclus or Bristlenose Plecos

Avoid:

• Aggressive or territorial fish

• Large predatory fish that may eat smaller tetras

Always keep in schools of 6 or more to prevent stress and promote natural shoaling behavior.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

Red Eye Tetras are omnivorous and undemanding when it comes to diet.

Feed them:

• High-quality flake or micro pellet food

• Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

• Freeze-dried tubifex

• Occasional spirulina or veggie flakes for color and variety

Feed once or twice daily, in small amounts that they can finish in 2–3 minutes.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform weekly water changes (20–30%)

• Keep parameters stable, especially when kept with sensitive species

• Use a tight-fitting lid—tetras can jump

• Maintain good oxygen levels and moderate water movement

• Watch for signs of fin rot or stress if overstocked or underfed

This species is hardy, adaptable, and well-suited for both new and experienced aquarists.

🌿 Why Choose the Red Eye Tetra?

The Red Eye Tetra combines striking looks, low-maintenance care, and peaceful behavior, making it an excellent choice for aquarists of all skill levels. Whether you’re setting up a lush planted aquarium or a mixed community tank, these shimmering, red-eyed beauties will bring life and movement to your aquatic display.

Add a touch of elegance and energy to your tank—get your Red Eye Tetras today!