Nurse Tetra

Brycinus nurse, the Nurse Tetra, is one of the largest and most wide-ranging West African characins, distributed from the Senegal River across to the Nile basin. Its body is silvery and streamlined with a faint lateral stripe and an overall robust, powerful build. Despite reaching nearly 28 cm, it is a peaceful, shoaling species that poses no threat to similarly sized tankmates.

In public aquariums and large home displays, B. nurse is kept in schools where it creates an impressive spectacle of massed silver fish moving in formation. It requires a very large aquarium with strong filtration, good oxygenation, and secure covers. Water conditions are broadly tolerant, reflecting its wide natural distribution across diverse African river systems.

Feeding is straightforward: quality large pellets, flake, frozen foods, and occasional live invertebrates. Regular large water changes maintain the water quality needed for a healthy, long-lived school. It is a rewarding and relatively undemanding species given adequate space.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.5–7.8, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–20, KH 1–10). Tank: 400 L minimum; very secure lid; open swimming space; powerful filtration; good oxygenation. Feeding: Large quality pellets, flake, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, krill; occasional live invertebrates. Breeding: Not documented in captivity for home aquaria. Compatibility: Peaceful with similarly large robust fish; will eat very small fish.