Readers Respond: Have you kept a Red Eye Tetra?

Responses: 26

By Shirlie Sharpe, About.com Guide

Probably my most active and lucky fish. I have two right now, they eat well live worms or pellets. So far no nipping which is good.
—Guest Chris

I have had 5 red eyed in my tank for 48 hours, they have nipped the tail of one of my other fish and I have seen two with other baby fish hanging out their mouths - I regret getting them.
—Guest zop111

I have 5 red eyed tetras and 5 baloon belly red eyed tetras. They are so cool! I like the way the balloon bellies play tag and follow the leader all the time.
—Guest Lovingfishmom

I have five in my tank along with seven others (4 of one type and 3 of another) They all seem to get along and I am constantly amused with the RE antics. One in particular has become very territorial and I assume "she" is about to lay her eggs. Am moving her to another tank with a male. Wish me luck as I love these guys.
—Guest Richard

My 50 gallon tank has about 20 fish in it. The Red-Eyed Tetras are full growm. They nip and chase almost all my other fish. I am at the point that I regret buying them. I just got three large fish and the tetras nipped and chewed on them the moment the werein the tank. My tank is community and I suggest you not have them in community tanks...
—Guest MCarrico33

Tetras have always been a favorite fish for me, especially the Red Eyed variety. Presently, there are five in my tank along two other types of tetras, totaling about ten fish. They school together and do very well in planted tanks. Feeding blood worms ( frozen ) seems to keep them happy, as well as standard flake food. With places to retreat and hide, they will be active throughout the day. A well-balanced diet helps keep their color in check. A great fish to have in any aquarium as long as you keep up with water changes at least once every eight days or so.
—aquated1958

ive had my tank about 2 months. ive got 2 guppys(which seem very happy) 5 neons and 5 red eyed. trouble is 2 of the red eyed spend all their time hiding behind the pump/filter. is this normal
—Guest chris

These guys are fun to watch, active fish, hardy and very good looking. I have them in 2 separate tanks at the moment in schools of 5 and 12. Great for a beginner fish, and also nice to watch for an old hand. As far as Tetras go they aren't THE most colorful, but I'd recommend them to anyone. Just remember, they do need some space to swim, or they may get nippy in a small tank.
—Guest lobsternoob

I have five in a three gallon tank. I feed them TetraMin, TetraColor and every other day I give them some freeze dried bloodworms or brine shrimp. They love swimming in the bubbles that the filter makes.
—Guest Lily

These guys are so much fun to watch. I have 8 in a 55Gal with a breeding pair of Blue acaras and cory cats. They bring lots of life to the tank. They have funny little faces with tiny teeth. They are hardy fish that can be good dither fish for mid sized Cichlids.
—Guest Sarah

Previous16-26 of 26

Shirlie Sharpe
Freshwater Aquariums Guide

Explore Freshwater Aquariums

Must Reads