
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Arnoldichthys spilopterus
An African characin with large, silvery scales and a red-rimmed eye. It reaches nearly 10cm and swims fast, so it needs a long tank. It is confined to a few river systems in Nigeria.
Arnoldichthys spilopterus is an African characin of the lower Niger and the Ogun systems in Nigeria, and the genus holds this one species alone. FishBase gives 9.6cm SL, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and 23-28C, while Seriously Fish gives 10.0cm SL, 24-27C, pH 6.0-7.5, 1-15 dGH and a base of at least 120 by 30cm. Its scales are strikingly large for the family, and those above the lateral line are distinctly larger than those below; the rim of the eye is red. Common though it is in the hobby, it is known in the wild from fewer than ten localities, in a region where deforestation and pollution continue unchecked, and the IUCN Red List assesses it as Endangered. It is peaceful but very active and should not be kept with shy fish.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The African Red-eyed Tetra lives 5-8 years.
The African Red-eyed Tetra grows to About 9.6-10cm.
The ideal temperature for the African Red-eyed Tetra is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Africa (the lower Niger and the Ogun river systems in Nigeria)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List (Endangered, assessed 12 August 2019)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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About 9.6-10cm
Temperature
24〜27℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 120 by 30cm, about 108 litres at 30cm depth. Driftwood, roots, smooth stones and plants all suit it, but leave plenty of open water for such an active swimmer.
Seriously Fish gives 24-27C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 1-15 dGH; FishBase gives a slightly wider 23-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19 dH. Once settled it is hardy and, kept properly, lives for a number of years.
Peaceful but very active, so keep it away from shy species. It suits a West African community built around other alestids. It is a shoaling fish and should be kept in a proper group.
It is unfussy and takes most foods, but is especially keen on small live and frozen fare, which brings it into the best condition.
Breeding is possible but seldom attempted. Condition the fish on live and frozen foods, pick the best-coloured male and the fullest female, and move them to a small tank with a mesh base so the eggs fall through out of reach. Keep the lighting subdued and the water soft with a lowish pH. After vigorous driving by the male the pair spawn side by side with a quivering motion, and a single female may deposit up to 1,000 eggs, which hatch in about thirty hours.
The IUCN Red List assesses it as Endangered. Popular as it is in the hobby, it is known in the wild from fewer than ten localities in a region losing forest and taking on pollution. It is not on the CITES appendices, and FishBase records it as harmless to people. Choose captive-bred fish where possible, and do not size the tank as though for a small characin: this one reaches nearly 10cm.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for African Red-eyed Tetra is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of African Red-eyed Tetra is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
African Red-eyed Tetra typically reaches About 9.6-10cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
African Red-eyed Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of African Red-eyed Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026