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Red-eyed Tetra

Yellow-banded Moenkhausia

Family: CharacidaeMoenkhausia sanctaefilomenaePhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   What's in a name? There are two common names for this tetra, the Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia, both of which are derived from it's coloration!

   This fish has a yellow band on the base of the caudal fin, just in front of the of the black area, thus the most usual common name 'Yellow-banded Moenkhausia'. Another common name, 'Red-eye Tetra', describes the bright red spot on the upper part of its eye, which makes a bright and rather pronounced contrast to its silvery body.

   The Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia are very undemanding fish. They are quite hardy and easy to breed. They are very active, but quite peaceful towards other fish and make a wonderful addition to a community aquarium. They do prefer a darker gravel and some plant cover. Even though these are active fish with a good appetite, they will not touch the plants!

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Habitat: Distribution / Background

   The Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia was described by Steindachner in 1907. They are found in South America, in Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil. Aquarium fish for the hobby are now bred extensively in Asia.

• Scientific Name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
• Social Grouping: Groups
• IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed

Description

   The Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia has a full-bodied typical tetra shape. It has a silvery colored body with transparent fins. Their most distinguishing characteristics include a yellow band on the base of the caudal fin, just in front of the of the black area, thus the most usual common name 'Yellow-banded Moenkhausia'. Another common name, 'Red-eye Tetra', describes the bright red spot on the upper part of its eye.

• Maximum Size: 2.8 inches (6.99 cm)

Fish Keeping Difficulty

• Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
• Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Foods and Feeding

   Since they are omnivorous the Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Flake Food: Yes
• Tablet Pellet: Yes
• Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
• Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
• Meaty Food: Some of Diet
• Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day

Aquarium Care

• Water Changes: Bi-weekly

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gal (57 L) - This fish appreciates a large open swimming area.
• Substrate Type: Any
• Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
• Temperature: 72.0 - 82.0° F (22.2 - 27.8° C)
• Range ph: 5.5-8.5
• Hardness Range: 2 - 30 dGH
• Brackish: No
• Water Movement: Moderate
• Water Region: All

Social Behaviors

   The Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia are generally a good community fish.

• Venomous: No
• Temperament: Peaceful - This fish should be kept in at least a small school.
• Same species - conspecifics: Yes
• Peaceful fish (): Safe
• Semi-Aggressive (): Threat
• Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
• Plants: Safe

Sex: Sexual differences

   The only truly distinquishing feature to differentiate the sexes is that a mature female has a more rounded stomach.

Breeding / Reproduction

   The Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia are egglayers. They are easy to breed and will freely spawn in schools or in pairs. See the description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

• Ease of Breeding: Easy

Availability

   The Red-eyed Tetra or Yellow-banded Moenkhausia is readily available.

References

Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants

Author: David Brough, CFS

Lastest Comments on Red-eyed Tetra View all 12 comments on Red-eyed Tetra Add Your Comment

prashant - 2012-02-16 I think these fish are only for begineers, good fish but chasing one another. White cloud mountain is better Reply

sidharth soman - 2011-07-04 Guys, I got some of the best gouramis in the world with me. I'm thinking of introducing some red eyed tetras in.... I dont know if they'll do well together... anyone got answers??? Charlie Roche - 2011-07-04 It depends on what kind of gouramis you have. Some might be fine with the tetras but some can be agressive toward smaller fish. Reply

monsieur - 2010-09-10 Lemon tetras and red eye tetras are great hardy tetras for beginners, they look some what alike. Reply

Phil - 2010-08-26 These fish are the most beautiful fish in my tank. They stay in a school and no one tries to attack them they are peaceful with cherry barbs, moonlight gouramis, and red blue gouramis. Reply

Sean - 2010-07-06 I have 2 of them, but their body does not resemble them at all. They have red eyes, but their shape and fins resemble a Black Phantom Tetra. Reply

Ryan - 2009-03-23 Just got 2 red eyed tetras on Wednesday. [Today is Monday] They are very hardy which makes them really good beginner fish. The pet store said that we should wait 1 week before getting any more. It's for the better of things, so we need to see if they survive well in their environment. Can't wait until Wednesday! -Ryan Reply

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