Santa Filomena Tetra

Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae, the Red-eyed Tetra, is one of the most recognizable and widely kept tetras in the hobby. Its most striking feature is the vivid crimson-red upper half of the iris, which glows brilliantly under aquarium lighting. The body is largely silver with outlined scales and a dark caudal spot. Native to the Paraguay, upper Paraná, and São Francisco basins of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, it is among the hardiest medium tetras available, tolerating a broad range of pH and hardness. An energetic schooling fish that fills the mid-water with constant movement. It is prolific and easy to breed, an excellent first characin for beginners.

Water: pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 22–28 °C; soft to moderately hard. Among the most water-parameter tolerant tetras. Tank: 80 L minimum; open swimming areas with peripheral planting. Hardy and forgiving of minor parameter fluctuations. Feeding: Omnivore; accepts all standard aquarium foods eagerly. Breeding: Prolific egg-scatterer; spawns readily in neutral soft water over plants or mop. Compatibility: Peaceful; suitable for almost any community aquarium. Avoid very small nano fish.