Red Eye Tetra

Red Eye Tetra key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

About 7cm

Temperature

22〜26℃

Diet

Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp and some plant matter

Tank

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.

Water Temperature & Quality

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.

Tank Mates

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.

Diet & Feeding

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.

Breeding & Spawning

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.

Health & Notes

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.

About Red Eye Tetra

A hardy, beginner-friendly mid-sized tetra with a silvery body, red eyes, and a bold black tail band. Best kept in schools, but prone to nipping fins, so choose tankmates carefully.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red Eye Tetra

1. 1Best Kept in Schools

   Red Eye Tetras can become restless and are more likely to nip at other fish's fins when kept alone. Housing them in a group lets them display their natural schooling behavior and brings lively movement to the whole tank.

2. 2Hardy and Beginner-Friendly

   This species tolerates fluctuations in water quality and temperature fairly well, making it a solid choice for a first tropical fish tank. Even so, don't let its resilience make you complacent — keep up with regular water changes and basic tank maintenance.

3. 3Watch for Fin-Nipping

   Red Eye Tetras have a tendency to nip at other fish's fins, a habit that becomes more pronounced when they're kept singly rather than in a group. It's best to avoid pairing them with slow-moving, long-finned fish such as veiltail guppies.

4. 4Choosing Tankmates

   As fast, active swimmers, Red Eye Tetras do well alongside similarly hardy fish that can keep pace with them. Slower fish or those with large, flowing fins are more likely to get nipped, so choose companions with that in mind.

5. 5Adult Size to Expect

   Fully grown, Red Eye Tetras reach about 7 cm in length. Since they're often sold smaller, it's worth planning your tank size and group numbers around their eventual adult size.

6. 6Red Eyes and a Black Band

   A silvery body, a red glow across the upper half of each eye, and a broad black band at the base of the tail give this fish its name and its signature look. The contrast between the red and black stands out even more when the fish swim together in a group.

7. 7An Active Swimmer

   Red Eye Tetras spend most of their time swimming actively through the middle and upper levels of the tank, and a group brings constant motion to the whole aquarium. Give them plenty of open swimming space in your layout so they can show off this behavior.

Frequently asked questions about Red Eye Tetra

Q.Is the Red Eye Tetra suitable for beginners?

A.Yes — it tolerates fluctuations in water quality and temperature fairly well, which makes it a solid choice for people new to the hobby. As long as you keep up with basic maintenance like regular water changes, it isn't a difficult fish to keep.

Q.How many should I keep together?

A.It's best to keep a group rather than a single fish. Schooling brings out their natural behavior and also reduces how often they nip at each other's fins.

Q.How big do they get?

A.Adults reach about 7 cm in length. Since they're usually sold smaller, it helps to plan your tank size around their full-grown size in advance.

Q.Can they live with other fish?

A.Because they're active and prone to nipping fins, fast, hardy tankmates work best. It's best to avoid pairing them with slow swimmers or fish that have large, flowing fins.

Q.What should I consider for tank layout?

A.Since they swim actively in groups, a layout with plenty of open swimming space suits them well. Adding plants or hiding spots can also help keep the group's dynamics calm.

Useful tools for Red Eye Tetra care

Learn more about Red Eye Tetra in the encyclopedia

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