
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bario sanctaefilomenae
A mid-sized characin, silver with a red upper iris and a broad black bar on the caudal peduncle. Hardy, inexpensive and always on the move, a shoal brings activity to a tank. It has a habit of nipping fins, which shows most when kept alone.
Bario sanctaefilomenae is a mid-sized characin of the Paranaiba, Sao Francisco, upper Parana, Paraguay and Uruguay basins. FishBase gives 7.0cm SL, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and 22-26C, and recommends groups of five or more in a tank of 80cm or longer, while Seriously Fish gives 22-26C, pH 6.0-8.0, 3-20 dGH and a base of at least 90 by 38cm. The body is silver, the upper half of the iris glows red, and a broad black bar crosses the caudal peduncle. Because its home waters swing widely between wet and dry seasons it is untroubled by water chemistry. Practically every fish on sale is farmed, and most of those in the UK come from eastern Europe. It dislikes very bright or sparsely furnished tanks and looks best among dense planting. It is an active fish, so avoid pairing it with sedate species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Red Eye Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Red Eye Tetra grows to About 7cm.
The ideal temperature for the Red Eye Tetra is 22〜26℃.
Origin
South America (the Paranaiba, Sao Francisco, upper Parana, Paraguay and Uruguay river basins)
Lifespan
3-5 years
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
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
About 7cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp and some plant matter
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 90 by 38cm, about 103 litres at 30cm depth, and FishBase likewise recommends a tank of 80cm or more. It dislikes very bright or bare surroundings, so plant densely or shade the tank with driftwood and leaf litter.
Seriously Fish gives 22-26C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 3-20 dGH; FishBase gives pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and 22-26C. Its home waters change greatly between wet and dry seasons, so it adapts widely, and farmed fish are hardier still.
It is boisterous, and quiet fish such as anabantoids or dwarf cichlids can be intimidated by it. Pair it with active fish of similar size. It has a reputation as a fin nipper, but keeping six or more, preferably ten or more, largely settles the behaviour.
It eats almost anything. Base the diet on dried food and mix in frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp for colour and condition, adding plant matter such as spinach or an algae-based flake. FishBase records worms, insects, crustaceans and plant matter in the wild.
The species is farmed commercially in huge numbers and virtually every fish on sale is captive bred. To spawn it at home, use a dimly lit separate tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop and remove the adults as soon as eggs appear.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. It is hardy and suits beginners, but kept in small numbers it turns to fin nipping, so always introduce it as a proper group.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Red Eye Tetra is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Red Eye Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Red Eye Tetra typically reaches About 7cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Red Eye Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp and some plant matter. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Red Eye Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026