African tetras: Brycinus longipinnis (Long-finned tetra) and others

In recent years, shipments from Africa have been very rare. This is due to the local political situation; no reasonable person is particularly eager to venture into the jungles and waters of the dangerous black continent. Occasionally, new imports do appear. However, it still holds true that compared to South American tetras, there are damn few African tetras in our tanks. There are mainly old familiar blues Congo tetras - Phenacogrammus interruptus, yellow Congo tetras - Phenacogrammus caudalis, longfin batfish - Brycinus longipinnisor, giant-scaled tetra - Arnoldichthys spilopterus. This is the main offer for the potential large "African" aquarium device.
 

Characteristic

The long-finned tetra still lives in the shadow of the more famous Congo tetras. They are about the same size and have a similar nature, but colors are what matters! They belong to schooling fish, of which we usually acquire more individuals (10-20), and they typically stay in the middle layers of the aquarium. They are incredibly good swimmers, and their activity increases especially when sunlight hits the aquarium.

Genus Brycinus currently has 6 types: Brycinus macrolepidotus, Brycinus nursae, Brycinus imberi, Brycinus rutilus, Brycinus longipinnis and Brycinus humilis. Sometimes, however, the problem is distinguishing between two kinds,Brycinus longipinnisandBrycinus chaperiBoth occur sympatrically (that is, together in the same waters) from Sierra Leone through Ghana and Nigeria to Congo. Our long-finned tetra is larger, reaching 13 cm. Males have elongated dorsal fins, but also a more pointed end of the anal fin. Females have a fuller abdominal area and are often larger. Brycinus chaperigrows only 7 cm, its coloration is the same as the previous species including the black spot before the tail base, but it has a higher body. Because the imports consist of semi-grown specimens, they are very difficult to distinguish. The average aquarist has no chance of recognizing them.

Aquarium for Congo tetras - Phenacogrammus interruptus

We will not skimp on the size of the fish in relation to the size of the aquarium, I consider 100 liters to be the minimum. For the bottom, we will use darker sand with a grain size of 3-5 mm. Among the plants, we will prefer those species that we find in the fish's homeland and which are also easily available to us – speciesAnubiasandBolbitis. Other types are not excluded, but these are decorative and will probably help us the most for our purposes. We will also use ceramics or quality roots as decoration,always remember to provide enough space for swimming in the aquarium. Like the aforementioned species, long-finned tetras are excellent swimmers.

Partners for longfin tetra - Brycinus longipinnis

Like the Congo tetra, this species is peaceful and does not attack other fish. Because they usually inhabit the middle and upper layers, we will get some cichlids for the bottom area, preferably from the genus Steatocranus. It is also possible to use other species of cichlids in terms of color, especially representatives of the generaNanochromis, BenitochromisorChromidotilapia. If we want to have a complete African tank, we can also add some smaller species of the genus featherfish. Synodontis, of which the most reasonable is the company Synodontis nigrita.

Water

It is more suitable to keep fish in softer water, max. up to 10-12°dGH, pH should be in the slightly acidic range between 6-7. The ideal temperature for breeding is around 24-26°C. As with Congo tetras, if we want to breed the fish, it is better to keep them in softer water. If we only have them for decoration, they can easily tolerate parameters around 20°dGH.

Food

The basis is live food, we prefer insect larvae, but also plankton. With great joy and surprising agility and speed, they catch small water fleas. They are typical omnivores, extremely willing to accept various flake and granulated feeds with pleasure. The diversity of the diet is important.

Breeding

Like with Congo tetras, it is not advisable to use an aquarium of 20-40 liters or even larger for this species. Experienced breeders in South Bohemia use breeding tanks of around 7-10 liters. We place a necessary spawning grid at the bottom, and a clump of Microsorum pteropus increases the sense of security. The temperature should be 27-28 °C, and conductivity should be 10-20 µS/cm (ideally, use natural water from Kvilda that has been standing for several weeks). A slight addition of peat extract is beneficial. Spawning occurs with a well-prepared pair on the 2nd, or at the latest, the 3rd day. For starter food, we can use fine artemia nauplii, but also fine powder as is traditional. Especially in the first days of life, we pay attention to any significant changes, such as temperature, pH, etc. The fish grow slowly.

Images:

1. The male of the longfin tetra can grow up to 13 cm.
2. A pair of long-finned tetras, female on top, male on the bottom.
3. For breeding long-finned tetras, enough space is needed.
4. For breeding, regular water changes are necessary.
5. In the carefully managed breeding facility, the long-finned tetras thrive very well.
6. For successful breeding, we always need to select multiple individuals.
7. 2-year-old male Brycinus longipinnis.
8. The classic crew of larger "African" tanks, top left Arnoldichthys spilopterus, in the middle Phenacogrammus interruptus, bottom right Phenacogrammus caudalis.
9. Phenacogrammus interruptus- Congo tetra is probably the most famous and popular African tetra.
10. On the right, the male Phenacogrammus interruptus, on the left 3 females of the "blue" Congo tetras, as their German name translates.
11. African tetras can also be grouped with South American tetras, which creates pleasant contrasts in the aquarium.
12. African tetras are well suited for many community aquariums.
13. In their homeland, long-finned tetras live in different types of water, primarily in larger and faster-flowing rivers.
14. In the homeland, predators wait for fish not only in the water; many fish are caught by "ordinary" kingfishers.
15. Among the surviving myths that are often copied from book to book is the rumor that to breed large Congo tetras, we must use multi-liter breeding tanks. Experienced breeders can manage with a 7-liter breeding tank.