Six-eyed Tetra
Phenacogaster tegatus
The tiny 'six-eyed tetra' from Paraguay with a trick spot pattern.
About
Found in the Upper Paraguay River basin of South America, this obscure little characid, Phenacogaster tegatus, has picked up the trade name 'six-eyed tetra' because of a clever optical illusion in its color pattern: two dark spots on each flank, combined with the eye itself, give the impression of three eyes per side. It is a slender, small fish that rarely exceeds an inch and a half, and its markings, particularly the elongate humeral spot positioned just ahead of the dorsal fin, help distinguish it from its many close relatives within what is a fairly species-rich genus. In the aquarium it is peaceful by nature, but it does best when kept away from the typical busy community setup. Think smaller and quieter. Other diminutive characins, hatchetfishes, lebiasinids, and small catfishes make far better companions than the usual mix of boisterous community species. A group of at least eight to ten individuals, ideally with both sexes represented, will settle in much more confidently and display more natural behavior, especially when other schooling species are present to provide a sense of security. Despite the somewhat specialized company it prefers, Phenacogaster tegatus is not a difficult fish to keep and should be manageable for a patient beginner willing to think carefully about tankmates.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Six-eyed Tetra
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Six-eyed Tetra get?
- The Six-eyed Tetra reaches about 1–2" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Six-eyed Tetra need?
- A minimum of 14 gallons is recommended for the Six-eyed Tetra, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Six-eyed Tetra need?
- The Six-eyed Tetra does best with a temperature of 68–82°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 2–12 dGH.
- Is the Six-eyed Tetra aggressive?
- The Six-eyed Tetra is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Six-eyed Tetra eat?
- The Six-eyed Tetra is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.