The red eye tetra (Bario sanctaefilomenae, formerly Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) stands out as one of the most reliable and beautiful freshwater aquarium fish available today. With their distinctive crimson eyes contrasting against silver bodies, these peaceful schooling fish have captured the hearts of aquarists worldwide for over a century.
What makes the red eye tetra particularly special is its remarkable adaptability and forgiving nature. Unlike many tropical fish that demand precise conditions, these hardy characins thrive in a wide range of parameters, making them perfect for both beginners taking their first steps into the hobby and experienced aquarists looking for reliable community fish. Their active swimming patterns and tight schooling behavior create mesmerizing displays that bring life and movement to any aquarium.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about keeping red eye tetras successfully. From their recent taxonomic reclassification to advanced breeding techniques, we've gathered insights from scientific research, experienced breeders, and decades of aquarium keeping wisdom. Whether you're considering your first school of tetras or looking to optimize your existing setup, this guide provides the detailed information you need for success.
Species Overview and Scientific Classification
The red eye tetra has undergone significant taxonomic changes recently, reflecting our evolving understanding of characin relationships. In 2023, ichthyologists reclassified this species from Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae to Bario sanctaefilomenae, placing it in a newly described genus. This change, while scientifically important, doesn't affect their care requirements but helps us better understand their evolutionary relationships with other South American characins.
First described in 1907 by Eigenmann, the red eye tetra belongs to the family Characidae, which includes over 1,000 species of characins found throughout Central and South America. The specific epithet "sanctaefilomenae" honors Santa Filomena, a Brazilian locality where early specimens were collected. These fish inhabit a vast range across South America, from Peru and Bolivia through Brazil to Paraguay and Argentina, demonstrating their remarkable adaptability to different environmental conditions.
Understanding their scientific classification helps appreciate their natural behaviors and requirements. As members of the Characidae family, red eye tetras share common traits with other popular aquarium species like neon tetras, black skirt tetras, and serpae tetras. These relationships explain why many care practices successful with other tetras work equally well with red eyes, though each species has its unique characteristics that set it apart.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
Red eye tetras possess a streamlined, laterally compressed body typical of active swimmers. Adult specimens reach approximately 2.75 inches (7 cm) in length, with females generally growing slightly larger and developing a fuller body shape, especially when carrying eggs. Their base coloration is silver with an iridescent sheen that catches aquarium lighting beautifully, creating subtle rainbow reflections as they swim.
The most distinctive feature, their bright red eye, actually consists of a red iris surrounding a dark pupil. This coloration intensifies with age and proper nutrition, serving as an indicator of overall health. Young specimens may show orange or pale red eyes that deepen to a rich crimson as they mature. The eye coloration also responds to mood and environmental conditions, becoming more vibrant during feeding or courtship displays.
Their fins deserve special attention for identification purposes. The tail fin features a distinctive black band at its base, followed by white edging on both lobes. This pattern becomes more pronounced in mature specimens and helps distinguish red eye tetras from similar-looking species. The dorsal fin shows subtle red coloration along its leading edge, while the anal fin may display white tips. During breeding condition, males develop more intense fin coloration and slightly longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins compared to females.
A healthy red eye tetra displays clear, unblemished skin with consistent coloration throughout the body. Any cloudiness, unusual spots, or faded colors may indicate stress, poor water quality, or illness. Their scales should lie flat against the body, creating a smooth appearance. When viewed from above, you should see a symmetrical body shape without any curvature or deformities.
Natural Habitat and Environmental Preferences
In their native South American waters, red eye tetras inhabit diverse environments ranging from clear tributaries to tannin-stained blackwater streams. They're primarily found in the middle to upper water columns of slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forest areas during the rainy season. These habitats typically feature dense vegetation along the banks, submerged roots, and fallen branches that provide shelter and spawning sites.
Water conditions in their natural range vary considerably with the seasons. During the dry season, they congregate in deeper pools where water parameters remain relatively stable. The rainy season brings dramatic changes, with flooding expanding their habitat into previously dry forest floors rich with decomposing plant matter. This seasonal variation has equipped red eye tetras with remarkable adaptability, explaining their tolerance for a wide range of aquarium conditions.
The substrate in their natural habitat typically consists of sand, fine gravel, and layers of decomposing leaves that release tannins and humic acids. These compounds create the characteristic tea-colored water many South American fish species prefer. While red eye tetras don't require blackwater conditions to thrive, they often display enhanced coloration and more natural behaviors in slightly tannin-tinted water.
Understanding their natural habitat helps create optimal aquarium conditions. In the wild, red eye tetras share their environment with numerous other fish species, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. They've evolved as schooling fish partly as protection against predators like larger cichlids, catfish, and birds. This schooling instinct remains strong in aquarium specimens, making group housing essential for their psychological well-being.
Tank Requirements and Aquarium Setup
Setting up an ideal environment for red eye tetras starts with choosing an appropriately sized aquarium. While these fish don't grow particularly large, their active swimming behavior and schooling requirements demand adequate space. A minimum of 20 gallons works for a small school of six fish, but I strongly recommend 30 gallons or larger for a proper display. Longer tanks are preferable to tall ones, as red eye tetras utilize horizontal swimming space more than vertical.
When planning your setup, remember that red eye tetras are among the many wonderful types of tetra fish that thrive in planted aquariums. Live plants serve multiple purposes in a red eye tetra tank. They provide visual barriers that help define territories, offer shelter when fish feel threatened, and create naturalistic spawning sites. Fast-growing stem plants like Rotala, Ludwigia, and Hygrophila work excellently along the background, while mid-ground plants such as Cryptocoryne and Amazon swords provide structure. Leave the center of the tank relatively open to accommodate their active swimming patterns.
Substrate choice affects both aesthetics and fish behavior. Dark substrates like black sand or fine gravel enhance the red eye tetra's coloration through contrast, making their silver bodies and red eyes appear more vibrant. If you're aiming for a biotope setup, mix in some leaf litter using dried Indian almond leaves or oak leaves. These gradually release beneficial tannins and create a more natural environment, though this is optional for successful keeping.
Filtration needs careful consideration with red eye tetras. While they're hardy fish that tolerate various conditions, they come from well-oxygenated waters and appreciate good water movement. A filter rated for at least 5-10 times your tank volume per hour provides adequate circulation. However, avoid creating excessive current that forces the fish to constantly swim against strong flow. Position your filter output to create gentle circulation throughout the tank while leaving calmer areas for resting.
Water Parameters and Quality Management
Red eye tetras demonstrate remarkable tolerance for varying water conditions, but maintaining stable parameters within their preferred range ensures optimal health and coloration. Temperature should remain between 72-82°F (22-28°C), with 75-78°F (24-26°C) being ideal for daily maintenance. They tolerate brief temperature fluctuations better than many tropical species, but sudden changes should always be avoided.
Water chemistry preferences reflect their diverse natural habitats. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral conditions, with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. While they can adapt to slightly alkaline water up to pH 8.0, maintaining pH below 7.5 generally produces better coloration and more natural behavior. Water hardness can range from very soft (2 dGH) to moderately hard (15 dGH), though 4-8 dGH represents optimal conditions for long-term health.
Regular water testing becomes crucial for maintaining these parameters. Test ammonia and nitrite weekly in new setups and monthly in established tanks - both should always read zero. Nitrate levels should stay below 20 ppm through regular water changes, though red eye tetras tolerate up to 40 ppm better than many sensitive species. I recommend weekly 25-30% water changes for most setups, increasing to twice weekly during breeding attempts or if bioload is heavy.
One often overlooked aspect of water quality is dissolved oxygen. Red eye tetras come from well-oxygenated waters and may show signs of stress in poorly aerated tanks. Surface agitation from your filter usually provides adequate gas exchange, but consider adding an air stone if you keep your tank at higher temperatures or notice fish gasping at the surface. Plants also contribute oxygen during photosynthesis, though they consume it at night, so don't rely solely on plants for oxygenation.
Diet and Feeding Requirements
In nature, red eye tetras are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae, and plant matter that drift through their habitat. This varied diet should be replicated in captivity to maintain optimal health, coloration, and breeding condition. A high-quality micro pellet or flake food designed for tropical fish should form the foundation of their diet, providing essential nutrients and vitamins.
Live and frozen foods significantly enhance both health and coloration in red eye tetras. Offer treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae two to three times weekly. These protein-rich foods are especially important when conditioning fish for breeding. Live foods also trigger natural hunting behaviors, providing mental stimulation and exercise. If live foods aren't available, frozen alternatives work nearly as well and are often more convenient to store and use.
Feeding frequency depends on several factors including fish age, tank temperature, and your maintenance schedule. Adult red eye tetras do well with twice-daily feedings, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Young, growing fish benefit from three to four smaller feedings daily. During breeding conditioning, increase both feeding frequency and protein content. Always remove uneaten food to prevent water quality deterioration.
Supplementing with vegetable matter ensures complete nutrition and may help prevent fish from nibbling on delicate plants. Blanched spinach, zucchini, or cucumber can be offered weekly. Some aquarists have success with high-quality spirulina flakes or algae wafers broken into small pieces. This plant matter aids digestion and provides essential vitamins that might be lacking in a purely protein-based diet.
Behavior and Temperament
Red eye tetras exhibit fascinating social dynamics that make them engaging aquarium subjects. As obligate schooling fish, they must be kept in groups of at least six individuals, though larger groups of 10-15 or more display more natural behaviors and create stunning visual displays. In proper schools, they swim in coordinated movements, turning and darting in unison as if controlled by a single mind.
Within the school, you'll observe a subtle hierarchy develop, particularly among males. Dominant individuals often position themselves at the front of the group and display slightly more intense coloration. These fish occasionally engage in harmless sparring, where two individuals face off and flare their fins. These displays rarely result in injury and actually indicate healthy, natural behavior. Females typically show less hierarchical behavior, focusing more on feeding and avoiding male attention outside breeding periods.
Their activity patterns follow a predictable daily rhythm. Red eye tetras are most active during dawn and dusk periods, mimicking their natural crepuscular tendencies. During peak activity, they patrol all levels of the aquarium but spend most time in the middle to upper regions. At night, they settle into quieter positions among plants or decorations, though they don't truly sleep like mammals do. Instead, they enter a restful state while remaining alert to potential threats.
One endearing behavior is their response to feeding time. Red eye tetras quickly learn feeding schedules and will gather at the front of the tank when they see their keeper approach. They're competitive but not aggressive feeders, darting in to grab food particles before retreating to a safe distance to consume them. This feeding frenzy creates an exciting display and helps ensure all fish receive adequate nutrition.
Tank Mate Compatibility
Selecting appropriate tank mates for red eye tetras requires understanding their peaceful nature and active swimming style. These fish make excellent community members, rarely showing aggression toward other species. Their medium size and robust nature mean they won't be bullied by slightly larger fish, nor will they prey on smaller peaceful species.
Ideal tank mates include other peaceful South American species that share similar water parameter requirements. Corydoras catfish make perfect bottom-dwelling companions, helping clean up food that reaches the substrate while adding activity to lower tank levels. Other tetra species like black neons, rummy nose tetras, or ember tetras can create beautiful mixed schools, though each species will generally stick with their own kind. Peaceful dwarf cichlids such as German blue rams or Apistogramma species add color and interesting behaviors without posing a threat.
Certain fish should be avoided as tank mates despite being commonly available. Large, aggressive cichlids view red eye tetras as potential prey. Species like oscars, jack dempseys, or green terrors will eventually consume even adult red eyes. Similarly, known fin nippers like tiger barbs or serpae tetras may harass red eye tetras, causing stress and damaging their fins. Very small fish like neon tetra fry or newly hatched guppies might occasionally be eaten by adult red eyes, though they generally ignore fish too large to swallow whole.
When planning a community tank, consider the swimming patterns and territories of potential tank mates. Red eye tetras are active mid-water swimmers that cover considerable horizontal distance. Bottom dwellers like loaches and catfish utilize different tank areas, making them compatible choices. Surface-dwelling fish like hatchetfish also work well, though ensure your tank has a tight-fitting lid as both species may jump. Avoid keeping red eye tetras with very slow-moving or long-finned varieties like fancy guppies or bettas, as the tetras' active swimming might stress these more sedentary fish.
Breeding Red Eye Tetras
Breeding red eye tetras presents a rewarding challenge for intermediate aquarists ready to advance their skills. While these fish spawn readily in proper conditions, raising the fry requires attention to detail and proper preparation. Success starts with selecting healthy breeding stock and conditioning them appropriately. Choose males displaying the brightest colors and most active behavior, paired with fuller-bodied females showing no signs of disease or deformity.
Setting up a dedicated breeding tank significantly improves success rates. A 10-15 gallon tank works well for a breeding pair or trio. Install a sponge filter for gentle filtration that won't suck up eggs or fry. The key to successful spawning lies in creating proper spawning sites. Red eye tetras are egg scatterers that release adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants. Java moss, spawning mops, or bundles of synthetic yarn provide ideal surfaces for egg attachment. Some breeders place a mesh or marbles on the bottom to protect fallen eggs from being eaten.
Conditioning breeding stock requires 2-3 weeks of specialized care. Separate males and females if possible, feeding them high-quality live or frozen foods three times daily. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia work exceptionally well. Gradually lower the breeding tank temperature to 72°F (22°C) and perform large water changes with slightly cooler water to simulate the rainy season. After conditioning, introduce the female to the breeding tank in the evening, followed by the male an hour later.
Spawning typically occurs at dawn, triggered by the first rays of sunlight or aquarium lights. The male displays intensely, swimming rapidly around the female and guiding her toward spawning sites. The pair swim side by side through plants, releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously. A single spawning can produce 100-200 eggs, though not all will be fertile. Remove parents immediately after spawning as they will consume their own eggs. The eggs hatch in 24-36 hours depending on temperature, with fry becoming free-swimming after another 3-4 days.
Raising the fry requires dedication and proper feeding protocols. Newly hatched fry are tiny and require infusoria or commercially prepared liquid fry food for the first week. As they grow, introduce newly hatched brine shrimp and micro worms. Perform daily 10% water changes using aged water matched to tank parameters. Growth rates vary, but most fry develop adult coloration by 3-4 months. The characteristic red eye appears around 6-8 weeks of age, starting as a faint orange tint that gradually intensifies.
Health and Disease Prevention
Red eye tetras rank among the hardiest aquarium fish, but they're not immune to health issues. Prevention through proper husbandry remains the best medicine. Most diseases affecting red eye tetras result from stress, poor water quality, or introduction of pathogens through new fish or contaminated equipment. Understanding common ailments and their early signs enables quick intervention before problems become serious.
Ich (white spot disease) represents the most common parasitic infection in red eye tetras. Early signs include fish rubbing against decorations, clamped fins, and the appearance of small white spots resembling salt grains. Treatment involves gradually raising temperature to 86°F (30°C) over 48 hours while adding aquarium salt at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons. Maintain these conditions for 10-14 days, performing daily 25% water changes. Most cases resolve without medication if caught early.
Bacterial infections manifest various ways, from fin rot to body ulcers. Fin rot appears as fraying or disintegration of fin edges, often with white or red margins. Body infections may cause raised scales, bloating, or open sores. These conditions usually indicate underlying water quality issues. Test parameters immediately and perform large water changes. Severe cases require antibiotic treatment, though improving water quality often resolves mild infections without medication.
Parasitic worms occasionally affect red eye tetras, particularly wild-caught specimens. Symptoms include weight loss despite normal feeding, white stringy feces, or visible worms protruding from the anus. Treatment requires anti-parasitic medications containing praziquantel or levamisole. Quarantine affected fish to prevent spread and treat according to medication instructions. Always complete the full treatment course even if symptoms disappear.
Stress serves as the underlying factor in most disease outbreaks. Common stressors include overcrowding, aggressive tank mates, poor water quality, inadequate diet, and sudden environmental changes. Red eye tetras also experience stress when kept in groups too small to form proper schools. Monitor for stress indicators like faded colors, clamped fins, hiding behavior, or loss of appetite. Address the underlying cause rather than just treating symptoms for long-term success.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
Even experienced aquarists encounter challenges when keeping red eye tetras. One frequent issue involves fin nipping within the school. While generally peaceful, red eye tetras may nip fins of their own species or tank mates when stressed, overcrowded, or underfed. This behavior often indicates too small a group size - increasing the school to 10 or more individuals usually resolves the problem. Ensure adequate feeding and check that your tank provides sufficient swimming space for the number of fish housed.
Color fading affects red eye tetras for various reasons. Poor diet lacking varied nutrition commonly causes pale coloration. Supplement their diet with color-enhancing foods containing carotenoids like spirulina or krill. Stress from inappropriate tank mates or parameters also causes color loss. Interestingly, red eye tetras kept over light-colored substrates often appear washed out - switching to darker substrate can dramatically improve their appearance within days.
Jumping behavior occasionally surprises red eye tetra keepers. These fish can leap surprisingly high when startled or during enthusiastic feeding. Always maintain a tight-fitting lid with no gaps larger than 1/4 inch. Lower water levels by 2-3 inches if jumping persists despite covered tanks. Check for sources of stress like aggressive tank mates or sudden lighting changes that might trigger escape attempts.
Breeding failures frustrate many aquarists attempting to spawn red eye tetras. Common mistakes include insufficient conditioning, wrong water parameters, or inadequate spawning sites. Some pairs simply prove incompatible - try different combinations if initial attempts fail. Age also affects breeding success; fish between 8 months and 2 years old typically spawn most readily. Older fish may still breed but often produce fewer viable eggs.
Long-term Care and Maintenance
Maintaining red eye tetras successfully over their 5-6 year lifespan requires consistent care routines and attention to their changing needs. Establish a regular maintenance schedule including weekly water testing, scheduled water changes, and filter maintenance. Document parameters and observations in an aquarium journal to track trends and identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
Dietary variety becomes increasingly important as red eye tetras age. Older fish may develop preferences for certain foods or require smaller particle sizes as their metabolism slows. Continue offering diverse nutrition including high-quality prepared foods, frozen treats, and occasional live foods. Some keepers find their elderly red eyes prefer sinking foods as swimming to the surface becomes more taxing.
School dynamics change over time as fish age and establish hierarchies. You may notice formerly subordinate individuals assuming dominant positions as older fish decline. Occasionally, elderly fish become targets of harassment from younger, more vigorous school members. Provide extra hiding spots using plants or decorations, and consider moving very elderly fish to a peaceful retirement tank if aggression becomes problematic.
Equipment upgrades and replacements ensure optimal conditions throughout your tetras' lives. Filters lose efficiency over time despite regular maintenance. Consider replacing filter media according to manufacturer recommendations and upgrade equipment if your bioload has increased. Heaters also degrade, potentially causing temperature fluctuations harmful to older, less resilient fish. Replace heaters every 2-3 years as preventive maintenance.
Advanced Keeping Techniques
Experienced aquarists can explore advanced techniques to enhance their red eye tetra keeping experience. Biotope aquariums recreating specific South American habitats provide natural conditions that encourage interesting behaviors. Research specific collection locations and replicate water parameters, plants, and tank mates from those regions. This approach often results in enhanced coloration and increased breeding activity.
Blackwater setups using botanical additives create stunning displays while providing potential health benefits. Indian almond leaves, alder cones, and various seed pods release tannins that lower pH and provide antimicrobial properties. Start slowly with botanicals, monitoring pH changes carefully. Some red eye tetras bred in neutral water may require gradual acclimation to acidic conditions. The tea-colored water might initially seem unappealing but creates a natural, calming environment for the fish.
Seasonal variation mimics natural cycles and can trigger breeding behavior. Gradually adjust temperature, lighting duration, and feeding schedules to simulate wet and dry seasons. During the "dry season," maintain slightly higher temperatures with reduced water changes. Transition to the "wet season" with increased water changes using cooler water, simulating the influx of fresh rainwater. This technique often synchronizes breeding throughout the school.
For those interested in the complete red eye tetra care guide experience, consider maintaining multiple generations. Raising your own breeding stock ensures healthy, aquarium-adapted fish while providing insights into genetic variation and selection. Keep detailed records of lineages, noting desirable traits like color intensity, fin shape, or size. Over time, you might develop a line with enhanced characteristics suited to your specific preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many red eye tetras should I keep together?
Keep a minimum of six red eye tetras together, though groups of 10-15 or more display more natural schooling behavior and reduced stress. Larger groups also minimize any mild fin nipping behavior that might occur in smaller schools. In spacious tanks of 55 gallons or more, schools of 20-30 create spectacular displays.
Can red eye tetras live with bettas?
While technically possible in large, heavily planted tanks, it's generally not recommended. Red eye tetras' active swimming might stress bettas, and some bettas may nip at the tetras' red eyes, mistaking them for rival fish. If attempted, monitor closely and have a backup plan to separate them if aggression occurs.
Why are my red eye tetras losing color?
Color loss typically indicates stress from poor water quality, inadequate diet, inappropriate tank mates, or illness. Test water parameters immediately and perform a water change if needed. Evaluate their diet variety and consider adding color-enhancing foods. Check for signs of aggression or disease. Sometimes, simply adding a dark substrate or background can dramatically improve coloration.
Do red eye tetras eat plants?
Red eye tetras occasionally nibble on soft plants, particularly if underfed or lacking vegetable matter in their diet. They rarely cause significant damage to established plants. Provide adequate feeding including some vegetable-based foods to minimize plant nibbling. Fast-growing stem plants usually outpace any minor damage.
How can I tell male and female red eye tetras apart?
Females typically appear larger and fuller-bodied, especially when carrying eggs. Males display slightly more intense coloration and have marginally longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. During breeding condition, these differences become more pronounced. However, sexing young or stressed fish can be challenging even for experienced keepers.
What temperature is best for red eye tetras?
Maintain temperatures between 75-78°F (24-26°C) for optimal health and activity. They tolerate 72-82°F (22-28°C) but extremes should be avoided long-term. Higher temperatures increase metabolism and shorten lifespan, while lower temperatures may suppress immune function and breeding behavior.
Can red eye tetras live in outdoor ponds?
In tropical climates where temperatures remain above 70°F (21°C) year-round, red eye tetras can thrive in outdoor ponds. They require protection from predators and extreme weather. In temperate climates, they can spend summers outdoors but must be brought inside before temperatures drop below 65°F (18°C).
How long do red eye tetras live?
With proper care, red eye tetras typically live 5-6 years in captivity. Some individuals reach 7-8 years in optimal conditions. Factors affecting lifespan include water quality, diet, stress levels, and genetic factors. Fish maintained at slightly cooler temperatures often live longer than those kept at the upper end of their range.
Why do my red eye tetras stay at the bottom of the tank?
Bottom-dwelling behavior in normally mid-water fish suggests stress or illness. Check water parameters immediately, particularly ammonia and nitrite levels. Look for signs of disease like clamped fins or labored breathing. New fish may hide initially but should become more active within a few days. Ensure adequate school size and appropriate tank mates.
Can I keep red eye tetras in a 10-gallon tank?
While possible for a small group temporarily, 10 gallons is insufficient for long-term housing. Red eye tetras are active swimmers requiring horizontal swimming space. A 20-gallon long tank should be considered the minimum, with 30+ gallons providing much better conditions for a proper school.
Conclusion
Red eye tetras offer an ideal combination of beauty, hardiness, and engaging behavior that suits aquarists at any experience level. Their adaptability to various water conditions, peaceful temperament, and striking appearance make them valuable additions to community aquariums. By providing appropriate school sizes, suitable tank conditions, and consistent care, these remarkable fish will reward you with years of enjoyment.
The recent taxonomic reclassification to Bario sanctaefilomenae reminds us that our understanding of these fish continues to evolve. As we learn more about their natural history and biology, we can refine husbandry techniques to better meet their needs. Whether you're setting up your first aquarium or adding to an established community tank, red eye tetras provide reliable beauty and constant activity.
Success with red eye tetras comes from understanding their basic requirements while remaining attentive to individual needs. Regular observation allows you to notice subtle changes that might indicate developing problems. With proper care, your school of red eye tetras will thrive, displaying natural behaviors and potentially rewarding you with breeding activity. Their undemanding nature shouldn't lead to complacency - these fish deserve the same dedication and quality care as any aquarium inhabitant.
Take time to enjoy watching your red eye tetras interact, feed, and explore their environment. Their synchronized swimming and social dynamics provide endless fascination. Share your experiences with other aquarists and continue learning from the broader fishkeeping community. Every aquarium presents unique challenges and opportunities for discovery, and red eye tetras make excellent companions on your aquatic journey.
