Family: Characidae
Red eye tetra — a Characidae from South AmericaSouth America, peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Reaches 2.7–4 cm; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. 23–27 °C.
A Characidae species native to South America: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae lives middle of the water column over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Adults reach 2.7–4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Moenkhausia species we profile, alongside Moenkhausia pittieri.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better.
Set the heater to 23–27 °C and avoid swings. pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–12 dGH suit it.
Expect 2.7–4 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.
Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods. It forages naturally over dark sand and leaf litter, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Recommended tankmates: Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully. Avoid Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks.
Native to South America, where it lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
Typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.