Paraguay Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Description

Paraguay Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Hardy, active and beautifully understated, the Paraguay Tetra is a peaceful South American schooling fish that combines shimmering silver scales with striking yellow eyes and contrasting black-and-white tail markings. Easy to care for and highly adaptable, it is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
  • Common name: Paraguay Tetra, Yellow-eyed 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?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a hardy and reliable community fish.
  • You're setting up a South American or planted aquarium.
  • You enjoy active schooling fish that are constantly on display.
  • You want a species suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You only plan to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep large predatory or aggressive species.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water parameters.
  • You have a very small aquarium with limited swimming space.

Why choose Paraguay Tetras?

Paraguay Tetras are valued for their hardiness, lively nature and elegant appearance. Their shimmering silver bodies are complemented by bright golden eyes and a distinctive black-and-white tail pattern that catches the light as the school moves through the aquarium.

Originating from river systems throughout South America, they adapt well to a wide range of water conditions, making them one of the more forgiving tetra species. Their peaceful temperament allows them to coexist with many popular community fish while remaining active throughout the day.

When maintained in larger schools, Paraguay Tetras develop greater confidence and exhibit beautiful synchronised swimming, bringing constant movement to the middle levels of the aquarium.

Benefits

  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Brilliant yellow eyes and metallic silver body
  • Distinctive black-and-white tail markings
  • Excellent schooling behaviour
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Suitable for planted aquariums

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 gentle water movement
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and darker décor to enhance colouration
  • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish for natural behaviour and reduced stress.
  • Regular water changes and a varied diet will help maintain their vibrant eyes and metallic sheen.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras sterbai
  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Black Phantom Tetras
  • Pearl Gouramis
  • Bristlenose Plecos
NTA Insight:
Paraguay Tetras are often overlooked in favour of more brightly coloured species, but they're one of the toughest and most dependable schooling fish available. Their reflective silver bodies, bright yellow eyes and bold tail markings create a striking display in planted aquariums, especially when kept in groups of 10 or more where their coordinated swimming really shines.

FAQ

How many Paraguay Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools encourage stronger shoaling behaviour, reduce stress and create a far more impressive display.

Are Paraguay Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are peaceful community fish that mix well with other tetras, Corydoras, gouramis, rainbowfish and other similarly sized non-aggressive species.

Can they live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums that provide open swimming space along with dense vegetation and driftwood for shelter.

Are Paraguay Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their hardy nature, adaptability and uncomplicated care requirements make them one of the best tetra species for newcomers to the aquarium hobby.

How long do Paraguay Tetras live?

With proper care, excellent water quality and a varied diet, Paraguay Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

Paraguay Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Product form

SKU: AST33M

Out of stock,  

$4.29


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Paraguay Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

    Hardy, active and beautifully understated, the Paraguay Tetra is a peaceful South American schooling fish that combines shimmering silver scales with striking yellow eyes and contrasting black-and-white tail markings. Easy to care for and highly adaptable, it is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae
    • Common name: Paraguay Tetra, Yellow-eyed 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?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a hardy and reliable community fish.
    • You're setting up a South American or planted aquarium.
    • You enjoy active schooling fish that are constantly on display.
    • You want a species suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You only plan to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep large predatory or aggressive species.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water parameters.
    • You have a very small aquarium with limited swimming space.

    Why choose Paraguay Tetras?

    Paraguay Tetras are valued for their hardiness, lively nature and elegant appearance. Their shimmering silver bodies are complemented by bright golden eyes and a distinctive black-and-white tail pattern that catches the light as the school moves through the aquarium.

    Originating from river systems throughout South America, they adapt well to a wide range of water conditions, making them one of the more forgiving tetra species. Their peaceful temperament allows them to coexist with many popular community fish while remaining active throughout the day.

    When maintained in larger schools, Paraguay Tetras develop greater confidence and exhibit beautiful synchronised swimming, bringing constant movement to the middle levels of the aquarium.

    Benefits

    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Brilliant yellow eyes and metallic silver body
    • Distinctive black-and-white tail markings
    • Excellent schooling behaviour
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Suitable for planted aquariums

    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 gentle water movement
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, open swimming areas and darker décor to enhance colouration
    • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish for natural behaviour and reduced stress.
    • Regular water changes and a varied diet will help maintain their vibrant eyes and metallic sheen.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras sterbai
    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Black Phantom Tetras
    • Pearl Gouramis
    • Bristlenose Plecos
    NTA Insight:
    Paraguay Tetras are often overlooked in favour of more brightly coloured species, but they're one of the toughest and most dependable schooling fish available. Their reflective silver bodies, bright yellow eyes and bold tail markings create a striking display in planted aquariums, especially when kept in groups of 10 or more where their coordinated swimming really shines.

    FAQ

    How many Paraguay Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools encourage stronger shoaling behaviour, reduce stress and create a far more impressive display.

    Are Paraguay Tetras peaceful?

    Yes. They are peaceful community fish that mix well with other tetras, Corydoras, gouramis, rainbowfish and other similarly sized non-aggressive species.

    Can they live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums that provide open swimming space along with dense vegetation and driftwood for shelter.

    Are Paraguay Tetras suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their hardy nature, adaptability and uncomplicated care requirements make them one of the best tetra species for newcomers to the aquarium hobby.

    How long do Paraguay Tetras live?

    With proper care, excellent water quality and a varied diet, Paraguay 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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