Micralestes Occidentalis

Micralestes occidentalis is a small, unassuming but attractive schooling tetra from West African river systems, displaying a clean silver body with subtly translucent fins and a faint lateral stripe. While it lacks the dramatic colouration of some African tetras, its ease of care, lively schooling behaviour, and peaceful disposition make it a practical and rewarding choice for African community aquariums.

This species is unfussy about water conditions within a reasonable range, tolerating soft to moderately hard water and a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It appreciates moderate current, open swimming space, and the security of a planted background. Groups of eight or more show the most cohesive and natural schooling behaviour.

Micralestes occidentalis readily accepts all standard aquarium foods: flake, micro-pellets, and small frozen invertebrates. It makes an excellent dither fish for more sensitive species such as West African cichlids or killfish, providing visual cues of safety that encourage otherwise reclusive species to emerge.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 22–27°C, GH 2–12, KH 1–6. Tank: Minimum 80 L with open swimming space, planted background, and moderate flow. Feeding: Omnivore; flake, micro-pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and daphnia. Breeding: Egg scatterer; soft slightly acidic water; fine plant or mop substrate for spawning. Compatibility: Peaceful community fish; excellent dither fish for West African cichlids and killifish.