Species profile
Red Eye Tetra
Bario sanctaefilomenae
Peaceful
Easy care
100 L minimum aquarium
5–7 cm adult size
Mid–top
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Hardy, active South American shoaling tetra. Current references place it in Bario rather than Moenkhausia.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH
Not yet documented
KH
5–20 dKH
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Mid–top
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1
Active schooling fish that may annoy slower or long-finned tankmates if the group is too small. Provide open swimming space.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Bario sanctaefilomenae
Alternative names
Red Eye Tetra, Red-eyed Tetra, Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae, Tetragonopterus sanctaefilomenae
Native range
South America: Parnaíba, São Francisco, upper Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay River basins.
Natural habitat
Adaptable river and floodplain tetra. Use a spacious aquarium with open midwater swimming space and plant/wood cover around the margins.
Diet & feeding
Omnivore feeding on worms, insects, crustaceans and plant matter; provide varied prepared foods with frozen/live supplements.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are larger and have a more rounded abdomen; males are generally slimmer.
Breeding
Egg-scattering non-guarder. Eggs are deposited among plants and adults may eat them.