Red Eye Lampeye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Description

Red Eye Lampeye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Bright, active and incredibly hardy, the Red Eye Lampeye Tetra is a striking South American schooling fish recognised by its brilliant ruby-red eyes and shimmering silver body. Constantly on the move yet wonderfully peaceful, this attractive tetra is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums and aquarists of all experience levels.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
  • Common name: Red Eye Lampeye Tetra, Red Eye Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 6–7 cm
  • Tank size: 90L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
  • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You want an active and hardy schooling fish.
  • You're building a larger planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy fish with striking natural features rather than bold body colours.
  • You want a reliable species that thrives in established community tanks.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep aggressive or predatory species.
  • Your aquarium is too small for an active school.
  • You have unstable or poor water quality.

Why choose Red Eye Lampeye Tetras?

The Red Eye Lampeye Tetra is admired for its shimmering silver body, reflective scales and unmistakable crimson-red eyes that immediately capture attention. As light catches the school, the fish flash brilliant metallic reflections while their vivid eyes provide a unique point of contrast.

Native to the rivers of South America, this species is exceptionally hardy and adapts well to a variety of community aquarium setups. They are energetic mid-water swimmers that spend much of the day schooling together, creating a lively and natural display.

Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for a wide variety of community fish, while their larger adult size gives them a commanding presence without becoming aggressive.

Benefits

  • Distinctive brilliant red eyes
  • Beautiful metallic silver body
  • Hardy and adaptable community fish
  • Excellent schooling behaviour
  • Ideal for planted aquariums
  • Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.8
  • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
  • Setup: Spacious planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and dense planting around the edges
  • Keep in schools of at least 8 fish to encourage natural behaviour and reduce stress.
  • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain their metallic sheen and vibrant red eye colour.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras sterbai
  • Black Neon Tetras
  • Bleeding Heart Tetras
  • Pearl Gouramis
  • Bristlenose Plecos
NTA Insight:
Red Eye Lampeye Tetras look especially impressive in larger schools over dark substrates. While their bodies remain elegantly silver, their ruby-red eyes seem to glow under quality LED lighting. In groups of 12 or more, they create an energetic, shimmering display that adds constant movement to the middle of the aquarium without overwhelming other community species.

FAQ

How many Red Eye Lampeye Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools display more natural shoaling behaviour, greater confidence and create a far more impressive visual display.

Are Red Eye Lampeye Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful community fish that coexist well with other tetras, Corydoras, gouramis, rainbowfish and many other similarly sized species.

Can they live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums that provide open swimming space alongside driftwood and dense planting for security.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their hardy nature and forgiving temperament make them one of the easier larger tetra species to keep successfully.

How long do Red Eye Lampeye Tetras live?

With stable water conditions, good nutrition and regular maintenance, Red Eye Lampeye Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

Red Eye Lampeye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Product form

SKU: AST10M

Out of stock,  

$2.64


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Red Eye Lampeye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

    Bright, active and incredibly hardy, the Red Eye Lampeye Tetra is a striking South American schooling fish recognised by its brilliant ruby-red eyes and shimmering silver body. Constantly on the move yet wonderfully peaceful, this attractive tetra is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums and aquarists of all experience levels.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
    • Common name: Red Eye Lampeye Tetra, Red Eye Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 6–7 cm
    • Tank size: 90L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish
    • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You want an active and hardy schooling fish.
    • You're building a larger planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy fish with striking natural features rather than bold body colours.
    • You want a reliable species that thrives in established community tanks.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep aggressive or predatory species.
    • Your aquarium is too small for an active school.
    • You have unstable or poor water quality.

    Why choose Red Eye Lampeye Tetras?

    The Red Eye Lampeye Tetra is admired for its shimmering silver body, reflective scales and unmistakable crimson-red eyes that immediately capture attention. As light catches the school, the fish flash brilliant metallic reflections while their vivid eyes provide a unique point of contrast.

    Native to the rivers of South America, this species is exceptionally hardy and adapts well to a variety of community aquarium setups. They are energetic mid-water swimmers that spend much of the day schooling together, creating a lively and natural display.

    Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for a wide variety of community fish, while their larger adult size gives them a commanding presence without becoming aggressive.

    Benefits

    • Distinctive brilliant red eyes
    • Beautiful metallic silver body
    • Hardy and adaptable community fish
    • Excellent schooling behaviour
    • Ideal for planted aquariums
    • Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.8
    • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with moderate water movement
    • Setup: Spacious planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and dense planting around the edges
    • Keep in schools of at least 8 fish to encourage natural behaviour and reduce stress.
    • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain their metallic sheen and vibrant red eye colour.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras sterbai
    • Black Neon Tetras
    • Bleeding Heart Tetras
    • Pearl Gouramis
    • Bristlenose Plecos
    NTA Insight:
    Red Eye Lampeye Tetras look especially impressive in larger schools over dark substrates. While their bodies remain elegantly silver, their ruby-red eyes seem to glow under quality LED lighting. In groups of 12 or more, they create an energetic, shimmering display that adds constant movement to the middle of the aquarium without overwhelming other community species.

    FAQ

    How many Red Eye Lampeye Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools display more natural shoaling behaviour, greater confidence and create a far more impressive visual display.

    Are Red Eye Lampeye Tetras peaceful?

    Yes. They are peaceful community fish that coexist well with other tetras, Corydoras, gouramis, rainbowfish and many other similarly sized species.

    Can they live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums that provide open swimming space alongside driftwood and dense planting for security.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their hardy nature and forgiving temperament make them one of the easier larger tetra species to keep successfully.

    How long do Red Eye Lampeye Tetras live?

    With stable water conditions, good nutrition and regular maintenance, Red Eye Lampeye Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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