Description
African Red Eye Tetra Arnoldichthys Spilopterus
Arnoldichthys spilopterus, also known as the African red eyed tetra, are small schooling fish from Africa and South America. They get their name from their physical appearance, which includes red eyes and colourful scales that resemble a tiger-striped pattern that many tigers have in the wild. These are some general care tips to keep your African red eyed tetras healthy and happy.
The African red eyed tetra, Arnoldichthys spilopterus, also known as Aphyosemion spilopterum, in the aquarium trade, is very popular due to its small size and attractive red eyes.
This tropical fish originates from Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, where they live in the slow-moving waters of creeks and small rivers with lots of plant cover. Their diet consists mainly of worms and small insects that are found among aquatic plants and it’s best to replicate this environment in an aquarium setting if you want to keep them healthy.
This fish exhibits striking colors and eye patterns that make it an excellent addition to any community aquarium setup. However, Arnoldichthys spilopterus are not the easiest fish to care for, so if you’re looking for a beginner fish that won’t die on you, look elsewhere. If you want something more challenging and colourful, give arnoldi a try!
Origin and descriptions
Arnoldichthys spilopterus is a freshwater fish native to the Niger and Chad River basins in Africa. Although this fish has many common names such as African red-eyed, Niger tetra, or simply red-eyed tetra, its scientific name refers to its species and genus while the term spilopterus refers to its round eyes like those of their cousins in the family of Plecostomus fishes.
The Arnoldichthys spilopterus, also known as an African red-eyed tetra or Nige tetra is a great fish for aquariums with smaller fish. This is because they are not very large at all and are generally peaceful. These little fishes can be shy in groups of their own kind but become more active when placed with other species. They grow to around 3.8 inches (9.6 cm) in length and can live up to 5 years with proper care and diet.
Species profile
Arnoldichthys is a genus of freshwater fish in the family Alestidae of order Characiformes. They are commonly known as African Red Eyed Tetras, but are also sometimes called Coppers or Niger tetras. The species name comes from Spilos which means coloured and pteron meaning fin. Thus, its specific name is derived from ‘coloured fins’.
The species live in sub-Saharan Africa and have four to five vertical bands on their body. These bands usually do not touch each other at any point except for one to two small spots that may meet over the belly area.
They are tropical freshwater species found only in a limited number of places in Nigeria (Ogun and Niger rivers).
Their bodies are slim with an overall light copper coloration with about five dark stripes running horizontally along their body; these stripes will be darkest just above their eyes until fading out near their tail fins where they appear more copper than black.
Arnoldichthys spilopterus habitat
These fish thrive in hard water, so adding a small amount of salt can help replicate their natural habitat. This change will also allow for a much more colourful display, especially if you keep more than one Arnoldichthys spilopterus in an aquarium together.
They require a tank that has both soft and hard areas with lots of space to swim around. A bare bottom works best, as they do not burrow like other fish species.
Red eye tetra tank mates
Arnoldichthys spilopterus are peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful species. They do well with other soft water bottom-dwelling species, as they naturally inhabit slow-moving rivers in Africa. Ideal tank mates include Hillstream loaches, catfish, and glass fish. Fish that require harder water such as Discus fish may not adapt well to African Red-Eyed Tetras.
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Insured Delivery On A Saturday Is £40 For All Livestock Orders & There Is No Minimum Order Value. We Are Also Able To Offer A Fully Insured Standard Delivery Service Where Should You Experience Any Problems, Including Issues Relating To Temperature, Damage, Loss Or Delay By The Courier, Sims Tropical Fish Will Step In And Resend An Instant Replacement Fish For Delivery The Following Delivery Day, Rather Than With Your Next Order, Upon Receipt Of Supporting Photographs.
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