Sailfin Tetra

Crenuchus spilurus

Sailfin Tetra is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

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

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm)
Aquarium size
26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
68–81°F (20–27°C)
pH
4.5–6.5
GH
1–5 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–27 °C, pH 4.5–6.5, GH 1–5 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Sailfin Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Guyana, Suriname.

Similar fish profiles

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

Blacktop Corydoras Corydoras acutus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 71–82°F (21.7–27.8°C) Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Black Darter Tetra Poecilocharax weitzmani Same family Similar care level Same temperament Advanced ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Agassizs Corydoras Corydoras agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Sailfin Tetra get?

Sailfin Tetra reaches ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Sailfin Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Sailfin Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Sailfin 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 Sailfin Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.

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