Scarlet Moon Kogal Tetra (Moenkhausia sp. "Kogal")

<h2>Common Name</h2>
<p>Red Scarlet Moon Kogal Tetra, captive bred.</p>

<h2>Origin and Habitat</h2>
<p>In the hobby, Kogal tetras and closely related lookalikes are often associated with Central Brazil, and many shipments are discussed in the context of the upper Rio Tapajós region. Because this listing is CB (captive bred), the practical focus is on consistent care and behavior in the aquarium rather than the exact collection point.</p>
<p>As a habitat style, these fish fit best in a planted or wood- and leaf-accented setup that provides both cover and open swimming lanes. Think subdued light, darker substrate, and clean, well-filtered water with gentle flow.</p>

<h2>Biotope and Compatible Species</h2>
<p>Biotope inspiration for Kogal-style tetras is clear to lightly tea-stained water with sand and fine gravel areas, scattered wood and roots, leaf litter, and plant growth along calmer edges. They appreciate cover, but they also want open room to cruise as a group.</p>

<p><strong>Same drainage only, upper Tapajós examples you can name</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li><em>Hemigrammus silimoni</em>, described from the Rio Juruena, upper Rio Tapajós basin</li>
  <li><em>Hyphessobrycon myrmex</em>, from the Rio Formiga, a tributary of the Rio Juruena in the upper Tapajós basin</li>
  <li><em>Moenkhausia rubra</em>, known from the Rio Juína and Rio Juruena in the upper Tapajós drainage</li>
  <li><em>Brochis bifasciata</em>, described from a tributary of the upper Tapajós (Rio Cururu)</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Same region, same vibe, aquarium-friendly neighbors</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>Other peaceful small tetras and pencilfish in the 1.5 to 2.5 inch range</li>
  <li>Calm Corydoras or Brochis catfish that enjoy softer water and gentle flow</li>
  <li>Small Loricariids in appropriate numbers, especially when algae control and wood surfaces are present</li>
  <li>Peaceful dwarf cichlids in planted setups, when water chemistry matches their needs</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Compatibility note:</strong> pick tankmates that are peaceful and do well in similar temperature and water chemistry. Avoid fin nippers and very boisterous fish that keep the school pinned in a corner.</p>

<h2>Temperature and Water Conditions</h2>
<p>A practical range for Kogal-style tetras is 75 to 82°F (23 to 27°C), with soft to medium water and a pH that is usually happiest from about 5.5 to 7.5. Captive bred fish typically adapt well, but stable clean water matters more than chasing a perfect number.</p>

<h2>Appearance and Size</h2>
<p>This is one of those tetras that looks normal until the light hits it, then the red tones and metallic shimmer show up. The Scarlet Moon look is all about a warm red back and glowing body color that pops in a calmer, planted environment.</p>
<p>Adults are commonly around 2 to 2.5 inches (5.5 to 6.5 cm), depending on the exact line and how they are raised.</p>

<h2>Diet in the Wild</h2>
<p>Omnivorous micro predator. In nature, tetras like this pick at tiny insects, small crustaceans, and bits of plant matter carried by current or trapped in vegetation.</p>

<h2>Feeding in Captivity</h2>
<p>They are not picky, but they color up best with variety. Use a quality flake or small pellet as a staple, then rotate in frozen and live foods.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Quality micro pellets or flake as the daily base</li>
  <li>Frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and occasional bloodworms</li>
  <li>Small live foods when available, especially for conditioning breeders</li>
  <li>A little plant-based content to help balance the diet</li>
</ul>

<h2>Behavior and Tank Setup</h2>
<p>Peaceful, active, and happiest in a real group. Six is the minimum, and larger groups look more relaxed and natural. In smaller groups they can get jumpy and spend more time hiding.</p>
<p>Provide cover, floating plants, and soft lighting, plus open swimming lanes in the midwater. A darker substrate and calmer light usually brings out the deepest reds.</p>

<h2>Breeding</h2>
<p>Kogal tetras are classic egg scatterers. A separate breeding tank improves results because adults will readily eat eggs. Keep the breeding tank dim, with very soft water, and raise the temperature a couple of degrees compared to the main tank.</p>
<p>Heavy planting works well, and spawning mops are a reliable option for easier cleanup. Condition breeders with live and frozen foods. Spawning often happens early in the morning.</p>
<p>After spawning, remove the adults. Eggs typically hatch in about 24 to 36 hours, and fry become free swimming in about 3 to 4 days, depending on temperature.</p>

<h2>Breeder’s Tips</h2>
<ul>
  <li>Trigger spawning with a large clean water change and strong conditioning</li>
  <li>Use dense plants or two to three spawning mops and keep lighting low</li>
  <li>Add a mesh floor or marbles so eggs fall out of reach</li>
  <li>Remove adults immediately after spawning behavior is observed</li>
  <li>Start fry on infusoria and powdered foods, then move to microworms and baby brine shrimp</li>
  <li>Do small daily water changes once fry are feeding well; stable clean water is key</li>
</ul>

<h2>Quick Facts</h2>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Scientific name:</strong> <em>Moenkhausia</em> sp. "Kogal"</li>
  <li><strong>Common name:</strong> Red Scarlet Moon Kogal Tetra, CB</li>
  <li><strong>Adult size:</strong> about 2 to 2.5 inches (5.5 to 6.5 cm)</li>
  <li><strong>Temperament:</strong> peaceful schooling fish</li>
  <li><strong>School size:</strong> 6+ recommended, larger groups look best</li>
  <li><strong>Temperature:</strong> 75 to 82°F (23 to 27°C)</li>
  <li><strong>pH:</strong> roughly 5.5 to 7.5</li>
  <li><strong>Diet:</strong> omnivore, best color with varied foods</li>
  <li><strong>Breeding:</strong> egg scatterer, remove adults after spawning</li>
</ul>

<h2>Tropical Fish Co. Notes</h2>
<p>The name Scarlet Moon sounds dramatic, and honestly it earns it. Under calm lighting these fish can look like someone painted a sunset across a tetra and then added a little shimmer just to show off. In a bright bare tank they look fine. In a planted tank with floating shade and a proper school, they look like a completely different fish.</p>
<p>Kogal trade names can be a moving target. The hobby often uses “Kogal” for a cluster of similar <em>Moenkhausia</em> types that share the same overall look and behavior, even when the exact scientific ID is not locked down at the retail level. That is why the focus here is on consistent care, documented sourcing when available, and what the fish actually does in your aquarium.</p>
<p>If you want a simple experiment, try this for two weeks: offer a small frozen food a few times a week, add floating plants for shade, and observe the group. Once comfortable, one fish often sets the pace and cruising lane, with the others following. It is a neat look at their social behavior, and it is usually not the fish you expect.</p>