Description

Balloon Red Eye Tetra

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (Balloon Red Eye Tetra variant)

• Common Names: Balloon Red Eye Tetra, Red Eye Tetra, Balloon Tetra

• Family: Characidae (Tetra Family)

• Order: Characiformes

• Origin: South America — mainly Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay freshwater rivers

• Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm) in captivity

• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

• Tank Zone: Mid-level swimmer

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 50 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Small, rounded “balloon-shaped” body with slightly arched back; smooth scales.

• Coloration: Silvery body with bright red eyes; fins translucent to slightly pinkish.

• Fins: Rounded dorsal, anal, and caudal fins; small pectoral fins.

• Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish; very social.

• Nature: Active and mid-level swimmer; enjoys open swimming areas.

• Special Feature: Balloon-shaped body gives a unique, eye-catching appearance; red eyes are vivid in well-lit aquariums.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, live/frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily.

• Tip: Feed small amounts multiple times a day to maintain health and vibrant eye color.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small school.

• Filtration: Moderate filtration; gentle water flow preferred.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand; smooth substrate recommended.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas; floating plants are appreciated.

• Lighting: Moderate; enhances red eye and body coloration.

• Water Change: 20–25% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Best kept in schools of 6 or more.

• Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like guppies, rasboras, other tetras, and small gouramis.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species.

• Compatibility Note: Very social; stress occurs if kept alone or in too small groups.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in schools for best behavior and appearance.

• Provide plants and open swimming areas.

• Maintain clean water with regular changes.

• Feed a varied diet including live and frozen foods.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep singly; they are schooling fish.

• Don’t house with aggressive species.

• Don’t neglect water quality; sensitive to ammonia/nitrite spikes.

⭐ Quick Tips
Balloon Red Eye Tetras are peaceful, charming, and visually striking freshwater fish. Their unique balloon-shaped body and vivid red eyes make them a favorite in community aquariums, adding color and activity to mid-water levels.