Red Eye Tetra

Looks how to spot one

Scaled characin (tetra) with an adipose fin

A bright silver tetra with a thin ring of red over the top of the eye. Near the tail there is a pale yellow to white band followed by a black patch covering the base of the tail fin. Females grow a little larger and rounder in the belly than males.32

Personality what they are like

An outgoing, fairly robust tetra that is lively and a little boisterous. It does best with equally active companions, and a good-sized group keeps it confident and well-mannered.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Highly active; it swims constantly in the middle and upper water and needs a longer tank with open swimming room.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy-going and undemanding: regular partial water changes and stable conditions are enough. Captive-bred stock tolerates a wide range of water chemistry.21

Home where they are happiest

Tank of at least 90 x 38 x 30 cm (about 103 litres); FishBase gives an 80 cm minimum length. Water 22-26 °C (some sources give up to 28 °C), pH 6.0-8.0, hardness 3-20 dGH. Plants, including floating cover, suit it.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An undemanding omnivore. Offer flakes and granules, small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp, and some plant matter such as blanched spinach or algae-based foods.21

Company who they like around

Keep a shoal of at least 6-8. Fits well with other active fish such as tetras, rainbowfish, barbs, danios, Corydoras and loaches.21

The story where it all began

Steindachner described the red eye tetra in 1907; its species name honours Saint Philomena. It spent many years in the genus Moenkhausia before being placed in Bario, and its classification is still being revised. Aquarium fish are bred commercially, mainly in Eastern Europe.312

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018)1

FishBase

Rated highly commercial in the aquarium trade1