African Moon Tetra

Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus

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

PeacefulTop swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size
63 US gal (240 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level
Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Top swimmer
Temperature
72–77°F (22–25°C)
pH
6–7.5
GH
5–12 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 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 / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–25 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

African Moon Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 8+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough surface space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 8+.

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 / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 8+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

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) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°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) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue Diamond Tetra Alestopetersius smykalai Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Blue Spot African Tetra Brycinus poptae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 6.3" (≤ 16 cm) 70–81°F (21–27°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 / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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 22 to 25 °C.

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

African Moon Tetra: Keep in a school of 8+.

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