Redeye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Redeye Tetra Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
Name	Redeye Tetra
Name Lat.	Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
Synonym	Tetragonopterus sanctaefilomenae
Family	Characins
Family lat.	Characidae
Order	Characins
Order lat.	Characiformes
Origin	South America
Habitat	Rivers, streams
Diet	Omnivore
pH	6.0-8.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-5 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	7 cm
Temperature	22-26 °C
Hardness	5-20 °dH
Aquarium	100 l
US Units
Size	2.8"
Temperature	72-79 °F
Hardness	89-356 ppm
Aquarium	25 gal

Distribution and habitat

Roach Moenkhausia are common in the river systems of the Pantanal in western Brazil, such as the Rio Paranaiba and the Rio Sao Francisco, as well as in the tributaries of the Rio Parana in Paraguay and in the Uruguay River. They live in clear, slow-flowing waters as well as floodplains with dense underwater vegetation and floating plants.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

The food supply consists of live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia and mosquito larvae, which is also eaten in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Dry food, such as flake and granulated food is also well accepted. In addition, they occasionally require vegetable food, such as crushed peas, mashed leafy and wild vegetables, or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp).

A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).

Behaviour and compatibility

They are peaceful and sociable fish that are well suited for any community tank. At least 5, but preferably more Red-eyed Moenkhausia should be kept together.

In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

Females appear slightly rounder. In males, the tail root patch is slightly larger than in females.

Reproduction and breeding

They usually spawn between fine-feathered plants (free spawners). The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely from the 5th day.

Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). Breeding is hardly possible in a community tank, as the spawn is easy prey here.

Important

Feeding plant food reduces the risk of the fish eating the tender shoots of aquatic plants. They are considered to be fin-twitchers. Kept in a group, other fish are rarely bothered and their occasionally quarrelsome behavior remains intraspecific.

The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF