African Long Finned Tetra Care Guide - Setup, Diet & Breeding

The African Long Finned Tetra is a striking West African characin with a silvery body, a dark lateral marking and warm golden, reddish or coppery highlights that become more vivid when the fish is settled. Its most distinctive feature is the extended dorsal fin, particularly noticeable in mature specimens, while the other fins may show yellow, orange or reddish tones.

This is an active, elegant schooling fish that spends much of its time in the middle and upper areas of the aquarium. Groups move together while exploring, although they may also spread out when feeding or when the aquarium provides plenty of cover.

In the wild, Brycinus longipinnis is associated with flowing and slow-moving freshwater habitats in tropical West Africa. These waters may pass through forested areas and often contain submerged roots, branches, leaf litter and shaded margins, creating a varied environment with open swimming spaces as well as shelter.

African Long Finned Tetras are generally peaceful, but their lively nature and adult size make them a more substantial community tetra than many familiar small species. Their flowing fins and active behaviour make a well-established group an impressive centrepiece for a spacious African-themed or peaceful community aquarium.

African Long Finned Tetras are native to West Africa, occurring in countries including Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and nearby parts of the region. They inhabit freshwater rivers, streams and associated forest waterways.

A group should be given at least 120 litres, with a footprint of roughly 90 cm by 40 cm; a longer aquarium is preferable because these active swimmers appreciate uninterrupted horizontal space. Use efficient filtration and maintain good oxygenation with gentle to moderate flow, while avoiding an excessively turbulent setup. A dark, fine-grained substrate, driftwood, roots, smooth stones and hardy plants can recreate their shaded river habitat. Leave an open area at the front or centre for swimming, and include floating plants or taller vegetation to soften the lighting and provide security.

Adults can reach about 12 cm (4.7 in), although many aquarium specimens remain closer to 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in). Males are generally slimmer and may develop a longer, more impressive dorsal fin, while females are often deeper-bodied and slightly larger or heavier when mature.

These omnivorous fish should receive a varied diet of quality flakes and small pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and bloodworms. Occasional finely chopped vegetable matter or foods containing spirulina can add variety. Feed small portions once or twice daily, giving only what the group can consume promptly.

African Long Finned Tetras are usually peaceful and can be kept with similarly sized, calm community fish. Suitable companions include Congo Tetras, other robust African tetras, larger peaceful barbs, rainbowfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, Corydoras and medium-sized peaceful catfish. Avoid very small, timid species that may be overwhelmed by their activity, as well as fin-nipping fish and aggressive or predatory cichlids. They should not be housed with fish small enough to be swallowed.

African Long Finned Tetras are egg-scattering, free-spawning fish that do not provide parental care. For the best chance of success, condition a group with plentiful live or frozen foods, then place a pair or small group in a separate, dimly lit breeding aquarium with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. The adults should be removed after spawning because they may eat the eggs. Eggs usually hatch within a few days, and the tiny fry can initially be fed infusoria or another appropriately fine first food before moving on to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Males are typically more slender and may have a noticeably elongated dorsal fin, especially in mature fish. Females usually have a fuller, rounder abdomen, particularly when carrying eggs, and may be slightly bulkier overall.