Mary Allen
Introduction: What Are Redeye Tetras?
Redeye Tetras are an excellent choice for aquarists of all levels. They are small, vibrant, and active, making them a popular choice for community aquariums. They are native to South America and can be found in streams, rivers, and flooded forests. These fish are peaceful, and their small size makes them an excellent addition to tanks of all sizes.
Their name comes from the red coloration around their eyes, which contrasts against their greenish-blue bodies. Redeye Tetras can grow up to 1.5 inches in length and are schooling fish, so it’s recommended to keep them in groups of six or more.
Tank Setup: Giving Them a Perfect Home
Redeye Tetras are relatively undemanding when it comes to tank setup. A tank with a minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for small schools of these fish. They prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places and swimming space. A sandy substrate and some driftwood and rocks will help mimic their natural environment.
It’s essential to maintain a consistent temperature of 72-79°F and a pH level between 6-7.5. A gentle filtration system will help maintain water quality, and regular water changes are necessary to keep them healthy.
Feeding: Providing a Balanced Diet
Redeye Tetras are omnivores, and their diet should consist of a mixture of meaty and plant-based foods. High-quality flake or pellet food is a good starting point, but it’s also recommended to include frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. Feeding should occur twice a day, but it’s important not to overfeed, as this can lead to health issues.
Water Quality: Keeping Them Healthy
Water quality is crucial for Redeye Tetras. As they are sensitive to changes in water conditions, it’s important to maintain a consistent and clean environment. Regular water changes, a well-maintained filter, and a balanced diet will help keep them healthy. Testing the water regularly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels is also recommended.
Compatibility: Who Can Live with Them?
Redeye Tetras are peaceful and can coexist with most other non-aggressive fish. It’s essential to avoid keeping them with larger, more aggressive fish that may bully or eat them. Good tankmates for Redeye Tetras include other peaceful community fish like Corydoras, Guppies, and Neon Tetras.
Behavior: Getting to Know Your Fish
Redeye Tetras are active and lively fish, and watching them swim in their school can be a fascinating sight. They are peaceful and interact well with each other and other fish in the aquarium. It’s important to keep them in a group of six or more to ensure they feel comfortable and to see their natural behavior.
Reproduction: Breeding Redeye Tetras
Breeding Redeye Tetras is relatively simple and can be done in a community tank. A separate breeding tank is not necessary, but it’s essential to provide plenty of hiding places for the eggs to be laid. The male will chase the female around the aquarium, and once the female lays the eggs, the male will fertilize them. The eggs will hatch in 24-36 hours, and the fry can be fed on infusoria or crushed flake food.
Conclusion: Are Redeye Tetras High Maintenance?
Redeye Tetras are not high maintenance fish, but they do require care and attention to keep them healthy. Their small size, peaceful nature, and vibrant coloration make them an excellent choice for aquarists of all levels. With a well-maintained aquarium, a balanced diet, and compatible tankmates, Redeye Tetras can live a long and healthy life.