Red Eye Tetra

Bario sanctaefilomenae

Red Eye Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner

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Need help with Red Eye Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 3–20 dGH
KH: 4–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–8, GH 3–20 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Eye Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina.

Similar fish profiles

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

Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bela Adormecida Tetra Moenkhausia bellasomniosa Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Bandtail Tetra Moenkhausia dichroura Same genus Same family Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Eye Tetra get?

Red Eye Tetra reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Eye Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Eye Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Red Eye 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 Red Eye Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Red Eye Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Red Eye Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 6+.