Alestopetersius Caudalis

Alestopetersius caudalis is one of the more elegant African tetras from the Congo River basin, displaying a streamlined silver body with a distinctive bicoloured caudal fin that catches the light beautifully in motion. Males tend to develop slightly more intense fin colouration as they mature, and when kept in large schools the visual display of their collective movement is mesmerising.

In the aquarium this species thrives in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with gentle to moderate flow, preferring open swimming space in the middle of the water column. Robust or artificial plants around the perimeter provide security without restricting swimming, and a dark substrate helps bring out the best colouration.

Feeding is uncomplicated; Alestopetersius caudalis readily accepts high-quality flake, micro-pellets, and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworm. A varied diet helps maintain peak colour and condition. They are peaceful tankmates for similarly sized African species.

Water: Soft to moderately hard water, pH 6.0–7.2, temperature 23–27°C, GH 2–12, KH 1–6. Tank: Minimum 120 L, open mid-water swimming space with planted perimeter and subdued lighting. Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality flake, micro-pellets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworm. Breeding: Egg scatterer; spawning triggered by soft water and temperature rise; remove adults after spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful with similarly sized African tetras, small Congo cichlids, and Synodontis catfish.