Common Name: Red Tail Tetra
Scientific Name: Moenkhausia copei
Other Names: Cope’s Tetra
The Red Tail Tetra is a lesser-known but visually appealing tetra species distinguished by its shimmering silver body and bright red tail. This active schooling fish is an excellent addition to planted aquariums, where its vibrant coloration and fast-moving nature add a dynamic presence. Like other Moenkhausia species, it is hardy and adaptable, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to South America, Moenkhausia copei is found in the freshwater streams, tributaries, and floodplains of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. It prefers slow to moderately flowing waters with dense vegetation and leaf litter, where it forages for small invertebrates and organic detritus. The water in its natural habitat is warm, slightly acidic to neutral, and rich in tannins from decaying plant matter.
Size and Lifespan:
This species grows to about 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm). With proper care, it can live for 5-7 years.
Diet and Behavior:
The Red Tail Tetra is an omnivore, feeding on small insects, invertebrates, and plant material in the wild. In captivity, it should be provided with high-quality flake or small pellet food, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. It is a fast-moving, peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least six to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Moenkhausia copei in captivity is possible but requires a well-planted spawning tank with soft, slightly acidic water. They are egg scatterers, with females releasing eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. The eggs hatch in 24-36 hours, and the fry should be fed infusoria or powdered fry food before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small school, with a larger tank (30+ gallons) preferred for a more natural group dynamic. Their ideal tank setup includes a soft sand or fine gravel substrate, plenty of plants and driftwood to mimic their natural environment, moderate filtration with gentle water flow, and subdued lighting to enhance their coloration.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The Red Tail Tetra is peaceful and does well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma, Ram Cichlids), Gouramis, and other similarly sized fish. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive species that may view them as prey.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. They are hardy but require stable water parameters and a well-maintained tank to thrive.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- A dark substrate and background enhance their red tail coloration.
- They are best kept in groups to display their natural schooling behavior.
- Adding tannins from driftwood or Indian almond leaves can help replicate their natural habitat.
The Red Tail Tetra is an attractive and active species that adds movement and color to peaceful community aquariums. With the right care, they will thrive and display their best colors in a well-planted tank.
