Red Scarlet Kogal Tetra 2cm

Red Scarlet Kogal Tetra

For aquarists chasing a bold and visually unique tetra species for their community or planted aquascape, the Red Scarlet Kogal Tetra is a striking option. This rare Moenkhausia species is still quite new to the hobby and remains difficult to find in Australia, making it a prized addition for collectors or anyone looking to add a pop of colour to their setup. With an intense golden body tone and a rich scarlet band that runs from mid-body to the tail base, these fish are a visual standout.

The most captivating aspect of the Red Scarlet Kogal Tetra is its intense contrast in colouration. A reflective, almost metallic gold base wraps the body and gives these tetras an eye-catching shimmer, while a vibrant red bar slashes diagonally across the body like a lightning bolt, hence the "scarlet" in the name. Their fins remain mostly translucent with a hint of gold, further enhancing the body pattern. These fish are small, fast-moving, and shoal beautifully, adding coordinated movement to the midwater region of any tank. Under high intensity or natural lighting, their metallic scales glow like fire, and when kept in groups of 6 or more, they put on an impressive colour display.

Breeding Red Scarlet Kogal Tetras in home aquariums is uncommon but certainly possible. These fish are egg scatterers and will deposit their eggs amongst dense vegetation or fine-leafed mosses. A dedicated breeding tank with clean water, soft leaf litter, or spawning mops will help replicate their natural conditions. Post-spawning, adults should be removed to prevent egg predation. Fry are incredibly small and delicate at first, requiring infusoria, liquid fry food, or rotifers until large enough to accept baby brine shrimp.

Tank Recommendations for your Red Scarlet Kogal Tetra

The Red Scarlet Kogal Tetra is an active and mid-sized schooling fish, reaching around 6-7 cm in length, so a tank of at least 70 litres is recommended. These fish are naturally found in clearwater and blackwater environments with dense plant matter and gentle currents. Emulating this with driftwood, smooth river stones, botanicals, and lots of aquatic plants like Vallisneria will make them feel right at home. They enjoy soft, slightly acidic water with stable parameters between 24-26°C and a pH of 6.0-7.0.

suitable tank buddies.

These red scarlet kogal tetras are a friendly species that can easily get along with a wide range of community aquarium fish. They have small mouths, are not fin nippers, and should rarely outcompete their tank mates.

Usually compatible

Angelfish, rummy nose tetras, danios, clown Raspboras, rams, geophagus, and a range of other common community fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Apistogramma, larger gourami, paradise fish, and large but peaceful cichlids like severum may outcompete the red scarlet kogal tetra.

Rarely Compatible

Predatory South American cichlids, African cichlids, and shrimp, or specifically baby shrimp, which may be prey to the tetra.

Feeding your Red Scarlet Kogal Tetra

Like most common tropical aquarium fish, red scarlet kogal tetra tetra are reasonably simple to feed. In the wild, they will be found eating worms, crustaceans, and small insects. They will also accept dried food in the form of a high-protein