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.

Need help with Sailfin Tetra?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 4–6.5
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 / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 4–6.5, 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

Feed varied small live or frozen aquatic invertebrates; captive fish may accept prepared foods after acclimation.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Guyana, Suriname.

Important notes

Not a standard tetra schooling fish. Male territoriality and the possibility of consuming tiny fish must remain explicit.

Similar fish profiles

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

Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate 2.4–3.1" (6–8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blacktop Corydoras Corydoras acutus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blue Panchax Aplocheilus panchax Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Sailfin Tetra get?

Sailfin Tetra reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Sailfin Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 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 28 °C.