F67 Large Tetra Red Eye

Key Characteristics of the Red Eye Tetra:

• Size:

  • Red Eye Tetras grow to about 2 inches (5 cm) in length, making them a small species that's well-suited for community tanks.

• Coloration:

  • As the name suggests, the most distinguishing feature of the Red Eye Tetra is its bright red eyes, which really stand out against its mostly silvery body.
  • The body itself is typically silver or slightly golden with a hint of a red or orange hue on the fins and sometimes along the tail.
  • In good lighting, their red eyes and bright fins give them an attractive, shimmering appearance in the aquarium.

• Temperament:

  • Red Eye Tetras are peaceful and social, making them great for community tanks. They are non-aggressive and do well with other non-aggressive species.
  • They enjoy being kept in schools, ideally in groups of 6 or more. This helps them feel more secure and exhibit natural schooling behavior.
  • They are active swimmers but not overly boisterous, so they do well in tanks with plenty of swimming space and some plants for hiding.

• Lifespan:

  • With proper care, Red Eye Tetras can live up to 5 years, though their lifespan can vary depending on water conditions and diet.

Care Requirements for Red Eye Tetras:

1. Tank Size:

   • A 10-gallon (38 liters) tank is sufficient for a small school of Red Eye Tetras. If you plan to keep a larger group or add other species, a 20-gallon tank or larger would be better.
   • They need swimming space and some plants to feel comfortable. A well-planted tank is ideal, but leave some open areas for them to swim freely.

2. Water Conditions:

   • Temperature: Red Eye Tetras prefer slightly warmer water with a range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
   • pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
   • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is ideal, with a general hardness (dGH) of 5–15.
   • Filtration: Good filtration is important to keep water quality high, but be sure to avoid strong currents, as they prefer calmer waters.

3. Aquascaping:

   • Red Eye Tetras prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. Plants like Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Sword, and Hornwort work well.
   • Adding driftwood or rocks provides hiding places and helps mimic their natural environment, which consists of slow-moving streams and rivers in their native South America.
   • While they enjoy some cover, they also like open areas for swimming, so aim to create a balanced aquascape.

4. Lighting:

   • Red Eye Tetras do well under moderate lighting, and they often look even more vibrant when there's some light to highlight their red eyes and colorful fins.
   • Consider low to moderate lighting for a natural environment with plenty of plant growth.

5. Diet:

   • Red Eye Tetras are omnivorous and will accept a wide variety of foods.
   • Their diet can include high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and micro worms. They also enjoy live foods, and providing some live or freeze-dried options can bring out their natural colors.
   • They can also nibble on plant matter, so offering blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini can be a healthy addition.

6. Tankmates:

   • Red Eye Tetras are peaceful and do well in community tanks. They can be housed with other small, non-aggressive species such as:
     • Corydoras catfish (small, peaceful bottom dwellers)
     • Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, or other smaller tetras
     • Rasboras or Platies
     • Snails or shrimp (e.g., Cherry Shrimp)
   • Avoid keeping them with larger or more aggressive fish like cichlids or betta fish, which might view them as prey.