Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) Care Guide
A robust tetra recognized by the bright red marking on its upper eye and a bold black band on its tail base.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae is a species in the family Characidae. A robust tetra recognized by the bright red marking on its upper eye and a bold black band on its tail base. Hardy and active, it adapts well to various conditions but may nip fins of slow-moving tank mates if group size is too small.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Moenkhausia
- Scientific name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
- Other names: Lamp Eye Tetra
- Origin: South America, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia
Habitat
Native to the Paraguay, Paraná and lower Amazon basins of central South America. Inhabits clear and turbid streams and floodplain margins. Recognised by the bright red upper half of the eye and a black bar at the caudal peduncle.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 6
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Tiger Barb, Bristlenose Pleco, Platy
- Avoid with: Betta, Slow Long-Finned Fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate
Red Eye Tetra Breeding Guide
Overview
Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae is a robust characid recognised by the red marking on the upper eye and a black band at the tail base. It is an egg scatterer with no parental care that spawns in soft, slightly acidic water.
Sexing
The female is a rounder-bodied fish when in breeding condition; males are slimmer.
Conditioning
Condition the fish with plenty of small live foods. They can be spawned as a group of about half a dozen of each sex, or in pairs after conditioning the sexes separately and selecting the fattest female and best-coloured male.
Breeding Setup
Use a very dimly lit tank of about 18 x 12 x 12 inches with water at pH 6.0-7.0, gH 1-10 and 80-84 °F (27-29 °C). Provide fine-leaved plants such as java moss or spawning mops, or a mesh base allowing eggs to fall through, plus a gently bubbling air-powered sponge filter.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Introduce a conditioned pair in the evening; spawning typically takes place the following morning. Group spawning in a larger tank is also effective.
Egg & Fry Care
The adults will eat the eggs given the chance and should be removed as soon as eggs are noticed. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours and the fry become free-swimming 3-4 days later. Offer infusoria-type food for the first few days, until the fry can accept microworm or brine shrimp nauplii.