African Moon Tetra

Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus

African Moon Tetra is a peaceful top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with African Moon Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 48" (≥ 122 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Top swimmer
Temperature: 75–77°F (24–25°C)
pH: 6.5–7
GH: 8–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 48" (≥ 122 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–25 °C, pH 6.5–7, GH 8–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

African Moon Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, African Moon Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 48" (≥ 122 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus aurantiacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C) Blue Moon Danio Devario xyrops Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 64–79°F (18–26°C) Adonis Tetra Lepidarchus adonis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.7" (≤ 6.9 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does African Moon Tetra get?

African Moon Tetra reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does African Moon Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 48" (≥ 122 cm) minimum length.

Is African Moon Tetra peaceful?

Yes. African Moon Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for African Moon Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 25 °C.

Should African Moon Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

African Moon Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 8.