Red eye tetra
| Red eye tetra | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Red eye tetra Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Moenkhausia |
| Species: | M. sanctaefilomenae |
| Binomial name | |
| Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (Steindachner, 1907) | |
The red eye tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae), also known as the yellow-banded moenkhausia, the yellow back moenkhausia and the yellowhead tetra[1][2] is a species of tetra. It is a freshwater fish, can grow up to 7 centimetres (2.8 in),[3] and can live for approximately 5 years.[2] The Red-eye tetra has a bright silver body accented by a black tail and a thin red circle around its eye. It is found in South America, in Paraguay, eastern Bolivia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil It is an aquarium fish for the aquarium hobby. They are now bred extensively in Asia.[3]
In the aquarium
The red eye tetra's hardiness and ease of care makes it an excellent beginner fish. This fish is readily available, peaceful, and is suitable for most community aquariums,[3] although it is quite active and may disturb slower, more timid species. A word of caution-although generally peaceful, some individuals have been known to be fin nippers on rare occasions, even when kept in groups of 5 or more. [4] The red eye tetra is a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more,[5] if kept alone it may nip the fins of other fish.[6] The red eye tetra does best at temperatures of 72–79 °F in a planted tank with plenty of shoaling space.[4] Red eyes tolerate a range of water conditions but prefer slightly soft, acid water.[5]
Nutrition
In the wild the red eye tetra feeds on worms, insects, crustaceans and plant matter.[1] In the aquarium red eye tetra generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance they should be given a high-quality flake food every day. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.
Breeding
Females are larger and have a more rounded abdomen than the males.[3] When attempting to breed them, a separate breeding tank should be set up with slightly acidic, very soft water (4 dGH or below).[3] The Red-eye tetra is free spawning but will also lay eggs among the roots of floating plants.[3] Once spawning has occurred, the mating pair should be removed, as they will consume the eggs[3] and hatching fry. One day after they are laid, the eggs will hatch. The fry can initially be fed infusoria, rotifers, or commercially prepared fry foods, then freshly hatched brine shrimp, and eventually finely crushed flake foods.[3]
Notes
- 1 2 Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2008). "Moenkhausia sanctaefilomena" in FishBase. April 2008 version.
- 1 2 "Red Eye Tetra". about.com. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Riehl & Baensch 1987, p.302
- 1 2 "Red Eye tetra". thetropicaltank.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- 1 2 "Red Eye Tetra Information". Tim's Tropicals. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ↑ "Red-Eye Tetra - Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae". fishlore.com. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
References
- Riehl & Baensch (1987). "Aquarium Atlas Volume 1", Mergus.