Remarks:  The red fin moenkhausia is an interesting tetra that is very new to the hobby and is rarely seen available for import or sale. Subsequently, there is not too much information available on it and its care. What is known is that this species can be found in small creeks in Columbia north of the city of Leticia. These creeks are very warm, acidic, and soft withe plenty of fallen wood and leaves that leach plenty of tannins into the water. We can presume that replicating these conditions, it will help keep these uncommon tetras healthy and happy. Keeping them in groups no smaller than 6-8 will also be necessary like with most tetras to make them feel safe.

  In the wild, red fin moenkhausia feed on tiny crustaceans, tiny worms, decaying botanicals, algae, and just about anything they can get into their little mouths. In captivity, they can be offered an omnivorous diet and benefit from receiving small, live foods such as baby brine shrimp and moina occasionally. These tetras can be rather voracious so they likely do not make the best tankmates for fish that are more shy about feeding. Species similar to this one tend to also be nippy so fish with long, delicate fins should also not be housed with them. Otherwise, they can do well with a number of peaceful South American fish that are not big enough to swallow them. 

  Before the red fin moenkhausia has a chance to full settle or when it is young, it will have a fairly simple coloration of a silver body, a red crescent atop the eye, and a black dot at the base of the caudal fin that is bordered by white. Upon settling and maturity, however, this species really shows some spectacular color.  Their bodies gain a gold or orange sheen, a bit of pink and yellow appears near the black dot, the dorsal and anal fin get a pinkish-red color, and the caudal and ventral fins turn a pleasant green color. All this contrast on one fish is stunning in just about any tank but especially when kept in blackwater conditions or in a planted tank.