TETRA BALLOON RED EYE (LAMPEYE) 3.5CM

Balloon Red Eye (Lampeye) Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae balloon variant). The Balloon Red Eye Tetra (also called Lampeye or Balloon Lamp-eye Tetra) is a selectively bred, short-bodied form of the classic Red Eye / Yellowhead Tetra. It has a silvery body, a distinctive bright red upper eye ring, a black bar at the base of the tail, and a rounded, compact “balloon” shape. The balloon form doesn’t occur in the wild. They are active mid-water schoolers and look best in groups. A lone fish or a group of only 2–3 will often be stressed, shy, or more nippy.

TANK SET UP: Prefer a longer tank (more horizontal swimming space) over a tall one. Provide open mid-water swimming areas plus plants, driftwood, and rocks for cover and security. Floating plants help diffuse light and reduce stress. Darker substrate and moderate lighting help colours show better.

TANK MATE: Peaceful community fish when kept in a proper school. Good companions include:

• Other small tetras (neon, cardinal, ember, black neon, etc.)

• Rasboras

• Corydoras

• Small peaceful livebearers (guppies, platies, etc.)

• Dwarf gouramis, bristlenose plecos, snails, and most shrimp (if shrimp are not tiny)

AVOID: Large, aggressive, or fin-nipping species. They can occasionally nip fins themselves if kept in too small a group or under stress. Do not house with fish large enough to eat them.

FILTRATION: Gentle filtration is best—strong current can stress them. They prefer stable, clean, well-oxygenated water.

MAINTENANCE: Ammonia/nitrite 0ppm, Nitrate <20% ppm. Weekly water changes of 20–30 % keep nitrates low.

FEEDING:

• High-quality tropical flakes or micro-pellets as the staple.

• Frozen or live foods 2–3 times a week (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms in moderation).

• Occasional vegetable matter (blanched spinach, crushed peas, or veggie-based foods) for balance.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily