Niger Tetra
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A large, hardy African tetra that needs plenty of room to exercise its swimming abilities. JJPhoto.dk
Overview
The Redeye Tetra is an attention-grabbing beauty that is particularly noteworthy for its unusually large silver scales. It is a hardy tetra that is relatively long-lived in the aquarium, but it may nip at the flowing fins of certain other fishes.
Family: Alestiidae
Other common name(s):
- African Red-Eyed Characin
- Niger Tetra
Native range:
Habitat: Redeye Tetras will need lots of room to swim, so a long tank planted sparsely on the sides and back, with lots of open mid-water swimming space in the center is best.
Maximum length: 10 cm (4 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top.
Feeding
Omnivore. The Redeye Tetra prefers small live foods, including brine shrimp and Daphnia, but will also accept standard meaty aquarium fare, such as small flakes and granules, as well as freeze-dried and frozen foods. Although primarily a carnivore, it will also benefit from regular offerings of herbivore fare and color-enhancing rations.
Aquarium Compatibility
Red-eye Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that should kept in groups of at least three with other fishes of similar temperament. May nip at fishes with long, flowing fins, so avoid such tankmates.
Special Care
They prefer soft water. Include dark, fine-grade gravel to show off their colors.
Breeding/Propagation
This is a typical egg scatterer that is not difficult to breed in the aquarium.