Balloon Red Eye Tetra is a distinctive selectively bred form of the popular Red Eye Tetra, recognized by its shorter, deeper, more rounded body shape. It retains the species' characteristic bright red coloration around the upper portion of the eye, shimmering silver body, and contrasting dark marking near the base of the tail.
This social schooling fish should be maintained in a group of at least six, with larger groups providing a more natural display. They generally make good community fish with similarly sized, active, peaceful species in a planted aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover.
Balloon Red Eye Tetras are omnivores and readily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. A quality tropical flake or small pellet can form the foundation of their diet and should be supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A varied diet helps maintain healthy body condition and strong coloration.
Because the Balloon Red Eye Tetra has been selectively bred for a shortened body shape, maintaining excellent water quality, proper nutrition, and stable aquarium conditions is especially important.
**Scientific Name:** *Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae* **Care Level:** Easy **Temperament:** Peaceful / Active **Diet:** Omnivore **Adult Size:** Approximately 2–2.5 Inches **Minimum Tank Size:** 20 Gallons **Recommended Group Size:** 6 or More **Temperature:** 72–80°F **Origin:** Captive-Bred Variety / South American Species
