Yellow-tail Congo Tetra Breeding Guide

Alestopetersius caudalis is an egg-scattering Congo tetra. Males show extended white-tipped fins; spawning occurs near plants with no parental care.

Overview

Alestopetersius caudalis is a small alestid tetra from the lower and middle Congo region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Seriously Fish records a size of 50-60 mm SL. It is an egg-scatterer that exhibits no parental care, and according to Seriously Fish spawning reportedly occurs near plants and substrate.

Sexing

Males are larger and more colourful, developing extended, white-tipped dorsal, ventral, anal and caudal fins that females lack (Seriously Fish). This finnage difference is the most reliable visual cue.

Conditioning

Condition adults on regular small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia, supplemented with quality dried flakes containing plant or algal content. Keeping the group of at least 8-10 specimens encourages the competitive displays between males that precede spawning. Documented parameters are 22-26 C, pH 5.0-7.5 (Seriously Fish); FishBase gives pH 6.5-7.8 and hardness up to 20 dH.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Soft, slightly acidic water and the presence of plants and substrate are associated with spawning according to Seriously Fish. Eggs are scattered rather than guarded; the adults provide no care and may eat the eggs.

Egg & Fry Care

Seriously Fish notes that eggs are removed to separate containers for safety. Fry initially take microscopic foods before graduating to Artemia nauplii and similar small live foods.