Pittieri Moenkhausia

Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae, the Red-eye Tetra or Pittieri Moenkhausia of the trade, is a hardy and widely available mid-sized tetra from the Paraguay and upper Paraná drainage of South America. Its body is silver with a faint yellow sheen and it is immediately identified by the striking bright red upper iris and the bold black-and-gold caudal peduncle marking.

This species is one of the hardiest tetras available, tolerating a wide range of water parameters and adapting readily to community aquariums. It is active throughout the middle water column and forms tight, flowing schools that are visually impressive in larger aquariums. It is a reliable, robust beginner species that remains popular decades after its introduction to the hobby.

Feeding is effortless: it accepts virtually all aquarium foods — flake, pellets, freeze-dried, and frozen foods of any type. Regular varied feeding maintains peak health and colouration. Groups of eight or more produce the most impressive schooling behaviour.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–18, KH 1–10); adaptable. Tank: 80 L minimum; planted with open swimming space; suits most community setups. Feeding: Flake, pellets, freeze-dried foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia — accepts all foods. Breeding: Prolific egg-scatterer; easy to breed; soft slightly acidic water; remove adults post-spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful community fish; suitable with virtually all community fish of similar size.