Blue Congo Tetra (Bathyaethiops greeni) Care Guide
Bathyaethiops greeni, the Green's moon tetra, is a peaceful schooling African characin from the middle Congo River basin.
Overview
Bathyaethiops greeni, known as the Green's moon tetra and sold in the hobby as a blue Congo tetra, is an African characin with an iridescent body and a horizontal stripe. It is a peaceful, schooling species native to the Congo River system.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alestidae
- Genus: Bathyaethiops
- Scientific name: Bathyaethiops greeni
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species is found in the middle Congo River basin, specifically in the Likouala drainage in the Republic of the Congo and the Ruki and Lake Mai Ndombe drainage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a freshwater, pelagic fish of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (about 26 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
FishBase reports a tropical temperature range of 22-28 °C for the species, consistent with the aquarium range above.
Diet
FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 3.1, indicating an omnivorous to micropredatory feeding habit typical of small alestid tetras.
Compatibility
The fish is a peaceful schooling species and is best kept in a group of at least six. Its calm temperament suits a community of similarly sized, non-aggressive fishes.
Conservation status
FishBase reports the species as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with high resilience and low vulnerability to fishing pressure.