Micralestes Acutidens

Micralestes acutidens is a small but spirited schooling tetra from the Congo basin, named for its sharp, distinctly cusped teeth. Its body is predominantly silver with a faint dark lateral stripe, and active individuals display a gentle iridescent sheen across their flanks when light hits them at the right angle.

In the aquarium, this species benefits from a well-planted tank with open central swimming space. It is a natural surface-to-mid-water schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least eight to minimise stress and display natural flocking behaviour. Water should be soft to moderately hard and neutral to slightly acidic.

Micralestes acutidens is an undemanding omnivore that accepts flake, micro-pellets, and small frozen or live foods. It is an excellent choice for an African community biotope and mixes well with other peaceful Congo basin species of similar size.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 23–27°C, GH 2–12, KH 1–6. Tank: Minimum 80 L, open swimming space with planted background and moderate flow. Feeding: Omnivore; flake, micro-pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and daphnia. Breeding: Egg scatterer; soft slightly acidic water encourages spawning; plants used as spawning substrate. Compatibility: Peaceful community fish; pairs well with Congo tetras, Synodontis, and small cichlids.