I wrote about the Redeye Tetra (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae), sometimes known as a “Lampeye Tetra” but there is another with a Red Eye but also a copper spot near the tail.
This fish is called the Head-and-Taillight Tetra (Hemibrycon Ocellifer/Hemigrammus Ocellifer) and are found from the freshwater rivers and streams in South America.
While they may have similar eyes to the Redeye Tetra, the differences are noticeable in shape and also the Redeye Tetras have scales, in which these fish have a smoother appearance.
These are schooling fish (so you need to have six or more) and are mid-dwellers. They live about five years and can grow up to two inches and are egg layers.
They prefer subdued light, so these are perfect fish if you have a lot of live plants especially floating plants.
I’ve not tried to breed them but many say they are easy to breed as they lay hundreds of eggs but the eggs must be removed to prevent the parents from eating it.
Of the fish I own, these are not the easiest to photograph because they are a bit more reclusive compared to other fish that I have wich will swim anywhere in my large Amazon Jungle planted tank.
Other fish tends to swim towards the front, these fish, not so much. So, typically the best time I can photograph is during feeding time.
But overall, the Head-and-Taillight are inexpensive schooling fish worth checking out!
