The Baloon Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae) is a species of tetra from the São Francisco, upper Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay river basins in eastern and central South America The red-eye tetra has a bright silver body accented by a white-edged black basal half of the tail and a thin red circle around its eye. It is part of a group that consists of three similar species. Once was the most spread and common tetras in a tank. A school of these characins can make any tank look nice and lively, but nowadays the fish has yielded the palm to other fishes.
The Baloon Red Eye Tetra typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe to keep with other peaceful fish that will not be intimidated by the constant activity of The Baloon Red Eye Tetra. Though it has a relatively robust, larger body than many smaller tetras, it has a very small mouth. It is not a good tank mate for dwarf shrimp, but it could be kept with larger, peaceful invertebrates too large to be considered prey. It is sensitive to poor water quality and will not thrive in an aquarium where regular maintenance is not performed. This species has not likely been bred on a major level, but there are many hobbyist reports of the The Baloon Red Eye Tetra breeding in the home aquarium. Is a peaceful active fish, quite easy in care. This fish needs to be in the school much more unlike it’s relative red eye tetra. Regardless of how many of them are in a tank: three, eight or twenty species – they always swim in a school.
While not generally a picky eater The Baloon Red Eye Tetra is sometimes finicky about accepting dry foods when first introduced to the aquarium, so it should first be offered live or frozen foods with high protein content. It will thrive and remain very colourful on a varied diet of foods and will usually learn to eagerly accept dry foods as part of its feeding regimen.
What We Like About This Fish:
- Exceptional size for a tetra
- Iridescent coloration
- Peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates
- Very active and noticeable fish in any aquarium
- Uncommon in the aquarium hobby
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
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Temperature: 75° - 81° F (24° - 27° C)
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pH: 6.0 - 7.5
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KH: 5 - 19 dKH
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Minimum tank size: 50+ gallons
CARE GUIDELINES:
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Diet: Mostly carnivorous. Requires a varied, high-protein diet and may take a while to accept dry foods.
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Social behaviour: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling
