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Kogal Blue Eyed Tetra - Moenkhausia sp : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras (Moenkhausia sp) are a stunning and peaceful addition to any aquarium. These active shoaling fish are visually striking, and their appearance only improves with age. Although they can tolerate more challenging water conditions, it is recommended to maintain them in soft to medium water conditions over an extended period.
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras are shoaling fish by nature, and it is advisable to keep them in a group of at least six individuals to avoid skittish behaviour. A larger group will help contain any altercations within the group and promote natural behaviour. Keeping these Tetras in an aquarium with plenty of aquatic plants, open swimming spaces, and subdued lighting or shade is best. Using a dark substrate will enhance their beautiful colouration.
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras are relatively active and are best kept with other active tankmates, such as Tetras, Barbs, larger Rasboras, Rainbowfish, many Danios, and bottom-dwellers such as the Corydoras Catfish and Loaches. They also make excellent dither fish for medium-sized, non-aggressive Cichlids.
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras have striking golden iridescent bodies with a horizontal dark line that crosses their bright blue eyes. They also display an elongated horizontal blotch on their caudal peduncle.
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras can be challenging as there are very few distinguishing characteristics between the sexes. However, one notable difference is that females will have a more rotund and rounded body shape when they are ready to breed.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Moenkhausia sp |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Kogal Yellow Tetra, Yellow Moenkhausia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Moenkhausia |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| KH | 4 - 8 |
| ℉ | 75 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 27 |
Natural habitat
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras hail from the upper Rio Machado, nestled within the Rio Madiera River Basin drainage in Brazil, South America. These delightful creatures make their home in small, wide, deep, and crystal-clear waters with a swift current, where the sandy substrate is bedecked with fallen leaves. Their habitat is further surrounded by an idyllic canopy of overhanging trees, lending an air of serenity to their natural environment. Regrettably, this delicate ecosystem is under threat due to various factors, including habitat destruction and a limited geographical distribution.
How to breed the Kogal Blue Eyed Tetra
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras reach sexual maturity at around ten months old and require a separate breeding tank. For optimal breeding conditions, the tank should be dimly lit, filled with soft water and raised to a temperature a few degrees higher than their usual aquarium. The breeding tank should also have heavy planting to provide shaded areas for the fish to spawn. In the absence of plants, spawning mops, substrate, or the glass bottom can also be used for egg scattering. To ensure the healthiest fry, it is important to select the largest female and the best-coloured male and place them into the breeding tank. Providing live and frozen foods can encourage spawning.
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras typically spawn early in the morning, locking fins and carrying out a somersault movement in the plants. The female will lay hundreds of eggs over a period, which the male will fertilize. Once spawning has occurred, removing the parents immediately is crucial as they will consume the eggs if given a chance. After 24 to 36 hours, the eggs will begin to hatch, and in 3 to 4 days, the fry will become free-swimming and grow relatively quickly. Infusoria is recommended for the first few days to feed the fry, with a transition to microworm and baby brine shrimp once they are large enough to accept them.
Diet & feeding
Kogal Blue Eyed Tetras are not fussy eaters and will consume most types of food. However, to ensure optimal health and colouration, it is recommended that their diet be varied and includes regular servings of small, high-quality frozen, live, and freeze-dried foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Additionally, incorporating good quality dried foods, such as flakes, granules, and algae wafers, can further supplement their dietary requirements. Including some vegetable matter in their diet is also beneficial, and spinach leaves are a preferred option.
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