African longfin tetra

A short dark rear band and a flowing male dorsal fin

This African tetra has a silver-gold body and a dark tail-base band.

Adult length

Up to 16.4 cm

Water temperature

22–26 °C

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

5–19 dGH

Native range

Africa: present along the Atlantic border of the African continent from Gambia to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Generally found in upper as well as lower river courses and may even occur in brackish waters of estuarine areas. Only Brycinus species that inhabits smaller water courses.

Natural habitat

Inhabits upper and lower reaches of large rivers and brackish estuaries, also entering smaller rivers and streams.

Large, active individuals can intimidate smaller companions. Sensitive to deteriorating water quality and excessive nitrate; maintain regular water changes and stable, clean conditions.