Lampeye Tetra 3cm – Red Eye Tetra

The Lampeye Tetra, also widely known as the Red Eye Tetra, is an active freshwater schooling fish with a bright silver body, distinctive red colouring around the eye and a bold black marking at the base of the tail.

At approximately 3cm, these young tetras are an excellent choice for established tropical aquariums where there is plenty of swimming space. They grow larger and are generally more active than many smaller tetra species, making them particularly attractive when kept as a good-sized school.

Lampeye Tetras are hardy and adaptable, but should be kept in a group of at least 6–8 fish. Keeping a proper school helps them feel secure and keeps most chasing and social behaviour within the group.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Bario sanctaefilomenae (formerly Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)
• Common Names: Lampeye Tetra, Red Eye Tetra
• Sale Size: Approximately 3cm
• Adult Size: Up to approximately 7cm
• Temperament: Active community fish; can be mildly boisterous
• Social Behaviour: Schooling
• Recommended Group: At least 6–8
• Temperature: 22–26°C
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: 3–20 dGH
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Care Level: Easy
• Origin: South America

An Active Schooling Tetra

Lampeye Tetras are lively fish that add plenty of movement to a freshwater community aquarium. They spend much of their time swimming through the middle and upper areas of the tank and are particularly impressive when kept as a larger group.

They can live successfully with many similarly sized and active community fish, including other suitable Tetras, rasboras, rainbowfish, Corydoras and peaceful catfish.

Because Lampeye Tetras can be more energetic than some smaller tetras, very slow, timid or long-finned fish may not always make the best companions. Keeping them in an adequately sized school also helps reduce unwanted fin-nipping or chasing.

Aquarium Setup

Lampeye Tetras are active swimmers and benefit from an aquarium around 90cm long or larger once mature. Provide plenty of open swimming space along with plants, driftwood or other cover around the sides and back of the aquarium.

They are adaptable to a reasonably broad range of water conditions, making them a good option for many established tropical aquariums. Stable water quality is more important than trying to achieve an exact pH value.

Browse our Tropical Fish range for other freshwater species suitable for community aquariums.

Feeding Lampeye Tetras

Lampeye Tetras are easy to feed and will readily accept quality tropical flakes and appropriately sized granules or pellets.

For good condition and colour, offer a varied diet that can also include frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm. Smaller foods are ideal while the fish are around their 3cm sale size.

Arrive Alive Guarantee

We carefully pack our live fish for transport and back eligible orders with our Arrive Alive Guarantee.

If a fish arrives deceased, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with your order details and clear photos of the affected fish. Once the claim has been verified, an applicable refund or store credit will be provided for the affected fish.

For full claim requirements, shipping conditions and exclusions, please read our Arrive Alive Guarantee & DOA Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Lampeye Tetras should I keep?

Lampeye Tetras should be kept in a school of at least 6–8 fish. Larger groups are even better when aquarium space allows and help encourage more natural behaviour.

Are Lampeye Tetras peaceful?

They are generally suitable for community aquariums, but they are an active and fairly robust tetra. They may occasionally chase or nip fins, particularly when kept in groups that are too small. A good-sized school and compatible active tank mates are recommended.

How big do Lampeye Tetras grow?

Adult Lampeye Tetras can reach approximately 7cm, making them larger than many commonly kept small tetra species.

Are Lampeye Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are hardy, adaptable and straightforward to feed, making them a good choice for newer fishkeepers with a suitably sized, established aquarium.

Live fish may vary slightly in colour, pattern and size. The stated 3cm sale size is approximate.