Balloon Red Eye Tetra

Balloon Red Eye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)

Description:

The Balloon Red Eye Tetra, a selectively bred variant of the Red Eye Tetra, distinguishes itself through its unique, balloon-like body shape and the conspicuous red orbital ring, which provides a stark contrast against its predominantly silver body. Originating from South American waterways, this species has been adapted for the aquarium trade to accentuate its unique physical characteristics, offering aquarists a visually striking addition to community aquariums.

Salient Features:

• Exhibits a silver body complemented by a distinct red orbital ring and partially translucent fins.
• The balloon-like morphology, a result of selective breeding, contributes to its unique aesthetic appeal.
• Reaches an adult size slightly smaller than its non-ballooned counterparts, typically up to 2 inches in length.
• Exhibits schooling behavior, with enhanced coloration and activity levels observed in groups.

Care Instructions:

• Aquarium Volume: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, to accommodate their schooling nature and provide ample swimming space.
• Water Parameters: Optimal conditions include a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water, with temperatures maintained between 22-28°C (72-82°F).
• Nutritional Requirements: Omnivorous, with a diet comprising high-quality flakes, granules, and live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia to ensure balanced nutrition.
• Compatibility: Demonstrates peaceful behavior and is compatible with a wide array of similarly sized and tempered species, making it well-suited for diverse community setups.