African Red Eyed Tetra

Arnoldichthys spilopterus

African Red Eyed Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 5+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size
29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH
6–7.5
GH
5–20 dGH
KH
4–8 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

African Red Eyed Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, African Red Eyed Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 5+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Nigeria.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Moon Tetra Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue Diamond Tetra Alestopetersius smykalai Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Adonis Tetra Lepidarchus adonis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 0.8" (≤ 2 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does African Red Eyed Tetra get?

African Red Eyed Tetra reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does African Red Eyed Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is African Red Eyed Tetra peaceful?

Yes. African Red Eyed Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for African Red Eyed Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.

Should African Red Eyed Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

African Red Eyed Tetra: Keep in a school of 5+.

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