Redeye Tetra

Author : Efrain Silva

Their Appearance

The very tops of the eye sockets of these little guys is actually red — which is precisely how they get their name. They look like guppies. Their pupils are black, and the rest of their body is a bright silver color, with blackish - silverish fins altogether. Love it!

There’s more. Most interestingly, female redeye tetra are actually bigger than male redeye tetra as their abdomen tends to be more rounded. Go figure (or should I say, “Go fish”?)

How They’re Known

These guys are technically known as Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae. It’s the official scientific name for them, anyways. And in terms of ethnic origin and descent, glad you asked…..they are from native America (south and central America, respectively). We’re talking gorgeous places like Panama, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and more!

Their Diet

While in their wild habitat, these fish tend to crave different forms of plant matter, insects, and even crustaceans – in addition to a few worms, here and there, as well. But when placed in confined spaces and left there to survive (aka a large public aquarium or your own small fish tank), they’ll make do with what they have in order to live and thrive ; it’s just what they do. And with that said, in these situations, you’ll find them more than likely eating any type of live food around them just to stay alive and well (including, in extreme cases, their own tank mates).

They can also eat fresh algae or flakes you choose to provide as most Petcos and similar pet supply stores now sell these raw products in various forms. Talk about convenience. So there’s no excuse not to feed your fish often, so they don’t eat each other (and give them the wholesome, organic stuff if you can afford it).

Good “Roommates” for Them

They’ll snap their fins very rarely —- peace is the norm, with these guys, making them some of the best roommates / tank mates around. This type of fish is what’s commonly referred to as a ‘schooling fish’, which simply means that its ideal setting is amongst other fish (in groups of no less than 6+). You can tell, it’s a social breed!

Other Short Facts to Keep in Mind

If you leave this fish within a tank, it’ll adapt itself to the water temperature and conditions of the tank (except for in extreme cases of heat or cold, naturally, as it may gradually succumb).

Nonetheless, despite its amazing adaptability, experts have still concluded that its ideal room temperature (or should we say, “tank temperature?”) is within 72–79 °F, so do make an effort, at all costs, to stay within this range and further its lifespan. If you’ve got acid water that is slightly soft, it’s also best for this type of fish.

This fish lives for about five years — that is officially noted ‘lifespan’. It can even grow nearly 3 full inches in length! So if you’ve liked everything you heard here, then get one today!