African Spottail Tetra

Brachypetersius altus

African Spottail Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: 3–10 dGH
KH: 1–5 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–26 °C, pH 6–7, GH 3–10 dGH, KH 1–5 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

African Spottail Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Similar fish profiles

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

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) 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) Blue Diamond Tetra Alestopetersius smykalai Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Blue Spot African Tetra Brycinus poptae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 7.8" (≤ 19.7 cm) 70–81°F (21–27°C) African Moon Tetra Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 75–77°F (24–25°C)

FAQ

How large does African Spottail Tetra get?

African Spottail Tetra reaches ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm).

What aquarium size does African Spottail Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is African Spottail Tetra peaceful?

Yes. African Spottail 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 Spottail Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 26 °C.

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

African Spottail Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 6.