Red Eye tetra Breeding Guide

Breeding Process

Red Eye Tetras are known for their moderate hardiness and affordability, making them a popular choice among aquarists. Although not extremely challenging to breed, it does require some specific conditions to ensure a successful process. These tetras are egg layers, and to initiate breeding, you'll need to set up a separate breeding tank. The breeding tank should be well-planted with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, as these will serve as sites for egg-laying. The water conditions should mimic their natural habitat with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 and a temperature between 23°C to 28°C. Ensure the water is soft and well-aerated. It's advisable to separate a breeding pair or a small group from the main tank when they exhibit signs of readiness to spawn. Once the female appears gravid and the male starts displaying mating behaviors, the pair should be introduced to the breeding tank. Look for spawning behavior such as the male chasing the female and the pair circling each other.

Spawning and Egg Care

After spawning, you'll notice eggs scattered around the plants or at the bottom of the tank. It's crucial to remove the adult tetras soon after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs usually hatch within 24 to 36 hours, depending on water temperature.

Care of the Fry

Once the eggs hatch, the fry will initially feed off their yolk sac. After this period, it's important to start feeding them with infusoria or commercial liquid fry food. As they grow, you can introduce finely crushed flakes, micro worms, or newly hatched brine shrimp. Maintaining high water quality is vital, so ensure frequent water changes without disturbing the fry. The fry will grow quickly if provided with the right diet and conditions.

Additional Considerations

Red Eye Tetras exhibit a low breeding aggression level, and their social nature makes them suitable for community tanks outside of breeding. However, during the breeding and fry-rearing process, it's best to keep them in a dedicated environment for optimal results. With patience and proper care, you'll be able to successfully breed these moderately hard yet popular tetras in captivity.