African Red Eye Tetra Arnoldichthys Spilopterus 3cm

Overview

The African Red Eye Tetra is a large, fast-moving characin with big reflective scales, a bright red upper eye and a yellow-edged dorsal fin. It shoals tightly and constantly patrols the upper water, bringing energy to a spacious tank. Endemic to Nigeria, it suits keepers wanting an active, unusual shoaler for a larger community.

• Adult Size: Around 10 cm (4 in)
• Lifespan: 5–8 years

Origin

• Native to: Nigeria; Ogun and lower Niger river systems
• Habitat: Slow streams and rivers with plant cover

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Flake, small pellets, bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae
• Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily; live and frozen foods boost colour

Tank Mates

• Best with: Congo tetras, larger barbs, Synodontis, peaceful medium cichlids
• Avoid: Shy or slow fish, tiny species, fin-nippers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful but boisterous
• Territoriality: None; a shoaling fish

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Needs swimming length, a large group and clean water

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 1–15 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 110 litres; 120 cm long tank for a group of 10

Final Notes

These grow larger and swim harder than most tetras, so give them a long tank, a group of ten or more and a tight-fitting lid, as they jump readily. They are hardy once settled but stress easily in small numbers or with timid tankmates. Males are slimmer with dark stripes in the anal fin; spawning is straightforward, a single female scattering hundreds of eggs. A settled shoal glitters beautifully under good lighting.