All fish / Alestidae

Longfin tetra

Brycinus longipinnis

Also known as long-fin tetra, longfin african tetra, long finned characin, african longfin tetra, longfin tetra, ロングフィン・テトラ, 长鳍非洲脂鲤

A sturdy, silvery African characin with a reddish upper eye, a black stripe running into the tail base, and in mature males a long trailing dorsal fin. It is kept for its active shoaling behaviour and elegant fins in larger community tanks with plenty of open swimming space.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, insect larvae and some plant matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

West and Central Africa: coastal rivers from Gambia to the Congo basin

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants, laying eggs that hatch in about a week. Breeding in captivity is possible but uncommon, and the eggs and young are best removed from the adults.

Good to know

It grows much bigger than typical tetras and is a fast, nervous swimmer that may jump, so it needs a long tank with a tight lid. Very small tankmates may be eaten.