Description
The Arnolds Red Eye Tetra, also known as the African Red Eye Tetra, Big-Scaled African Characin, Niger tetra, and Red Eyed Characin, is a large species of the Tetra family that is mostly peaceful and hardy. It is great for beginners. The Arnolds Red Eye Tetra is a shoaling species that enjoys a planted aquarium in groups of 6 or more. It is an active tetra best suited to community aquariums with similarly sized peaceful community fish.
Features of Arnolds Red Eye Tetra's:
- Silver long streamline body
- Males are slightly larger than females
- Dark brown to black body with a bright red stripe that runs the length of their body, juveniles are more silver
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Energetic and active swimmers
- Care level: Beginner
- Grows up to 9.5cm
The Best Aquarium Size for Arnolds Red Eye Tetra's:
The minimum tank size for a small group of Arnolds Red Eye Tetra is 120L. The Arnolds Red Eye Tetra will occupy the top to middle water column in the aquarium. They are active swimmers so if keeper a group larger than 6, opt for a larger aquarium. The enjoy lots of open swimming space with spaces to hide and retreat to.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse our Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Tank Mate Compatibility:
The Arnolds Red Eye Tetra is a shoaling fish and should be kept in schools of 6 or more. This species does well with other similarly sized and peaceful community fish. As it is a larger tetra, it does best with larger species. Tank mates should be chosen carefully as they can be known to be semi-aggressive.
Great tank mates for Arnolds Red Eye Tetra include:
Coburg Aquarium, specialize in a large range of species of live fish.
Arnolds Red Eye Tetra Diet :
Arnolds Red Eye Tetra are omnivores that require a high protein diet. It should be a varied diet for optimal health. They will accept flakes and pellets, and their diet should be supplemented with spirulina, blackworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
Arnolds Red Eye Tetra Fish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
Naturally found in fast moving streams with plenty of shelter, mimic the Arnolds Red Eye Tetra natural environment by using a good aquarium filter. Hang on filters and canister filters are great options to promote water flow and remove waste and debris for a clean aquarium. They are a hardy & active species but enjoy stable and clean waters.
Browse aquarium filters here.
Aquatic Plants for Arnolds Red Eye Tetra's
The Arnolds Red Eye Tetra is naturally found in clear to black waters, heavily vegetated with plenty of driftwood and structure. It provides shade & spaces to hide to ensure happy fish. The following live aquatic plants will do best in low light aquariums.
Interested in live plants for your aquariums? Browse live plants here.
Tank Decorations for Arnolds Red Eye Tetra's
Arnolds Red Eye Tetra enjoy aquariums with plenty of open swimming space but must have areas to hide and retreat to. Create shelter with ornaments, driftwood, and rock. The colour of fish are enhanced when conditions are ideal and fish are less stressed. Adding driftwood to the aquarium is an excellent way to naturally soften water.
Check out our Aquarium Ornaments.
Substrate for Arnolds Red Eye Tetra's
Dark coloured substrates enhance the colour of the fish and help lower light levels, reducing stress. They prefer sandy substrates.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
