All fish / Distichodontidae

Ansorge's neolebias

Neolebias ansorgii

Also known as ansorgii tetra, ansorge's tetra, neolebias ansorgei, green neolebias, african green tetra

A tiny, timid African characin with a metallic green to bronze back, a dark lateral band and reddish fins, and males that turn strongly red in breeding dress. It is kept by enthusiasts of African biotopes and nano tanks because it looks striking in a quiet, well planted, dimly lit setup.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 8 or more

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp and bloodworm, plus fine dry food once settled

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central Africa: Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, DR Congo and Angola (Congo and coastal basins)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants or moss, with no parental care and adults that will eat the eggs. It can be bred in a small, soft, acidic tank with the parents removed after spawning, and the very small fry need infusoria at first.

Good to know

Shy and easily outcompeted, so keep only with very small, calm tankmates in soft, acidic, clean water. It is rarely available and wild-caught fish may need careful acclimatisation.