Yellow-tail Congo Tetra Care Guide
Alestopetersius caudalis is a small African tetra from the Congo basin, kept as a peaceful, lively schooling fish.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Alestopetersius caudalis, the Yellow-tail Congo Tetra, is a small characiform fish of the family Alestidae (African tetras), described by Boulenger in 1899. According to Seriously Fish, dominant males develop white-tipped dorsal, ventral, anal and caudal fins, which females lack. It is a lively but generally peaceful schooling species that has become established in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alestidae
- Genus: Alestopetersius
- Scientific name: Alestopetersius caudalis
- Author: Boulenger, 1899
Habitat
The species is native to the lower and middle Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with FishBase also recording it in the Central African Republic. Its range extends upriver beyond Pool Malebo to Lake Tumba. Seriously Fish describes its waters as flowing streams with rocks, sand, gravel and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals (Seriously Fish recommends 8-10)
- Size: 6-8 cm (FishBase max 6.2 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
It is an omnivore. FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 3.1, and Seriously Fish reports that wild fish forage on small insects, crustaceans and fallen fruit. In the aquarium it accepts quality dried flakes and granules alongside small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful but somewhat skittish mid-water fish. Seriously Fish notes that rival males display to one another, which can cause minor scale loss and fin damage if space is limited, so a roomy tank and a group of both sexes are advised. It mixes well with other peaceful community fish; aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is an egg-scatterer that provides no parental care. Seriously Fish notes that it is not regularly bred in home aquaria.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009, per FishBase). FishBase records commercial use both as a fishery and in the aquarium trade, with low vulnerability to fishing pressure.
Yellow-tail Congo Tetra Breeding Guide
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.