African tetras in nature
The huge fish order of the tetra species has also made it to Africa. Here many species live in jungle streams with moderate currents in the shade of tropical rainforests, where many plants grow and which carry very clean and soft water. The water is very rich in humic substances, which should not be missing in the aquarium. Other tetras and characins can be found in the lakes, streams and rivers, swamps and other waters on the Black Continent.
Behavior of African Tetras
In case of danger, the African characins gather in a flash to form a shoal, but if they are not under stress, they rather disperse in the aquarium and are on the move individually or in small groups among the plants. In a well-stocked aquarium with aquatic plants, the tetras' stress level remains low and they show clear signs of well-being with bright colors. Make sure that the fish always have enough swimming space in the aquarium despite planting. Most tetras are lively swimmers.
Tetras from Africa in the aquarium
The most widespread representative of the African tetras in aquaristics is probably the iridescent colorful iridescent Blue Congo tetra with its interestingly shaped fins. It grows somewhat larger than many South American tetras and for this reason needs a large aquarium with 200 liters capacity - or more. Blue Congo tetras are great fish for a jungle aquarium with a "tropical Africa" theme.
Breeding African tetras in the aquarium
Breeding African tetras in a community aquarium is rather difficult. In a breeding tank the success rate is much higher. To do this, place your Congo Tetras in pairs or in a group of 1-2 males and 2-4 females in a separate rearing tank. There, the future parent fish are first fed valuable, rich, high-quality live food to get them in the mood to mate. Large water changes with soft, slightly acidic water, along with good feeding, simulate the beginning of the rainy season, which is often the starting signal for courtship and mating among the fish. African tetras, like South Americans, are free spawners. They simply lay their eggs in the water, where they then sink to the bottom. There, a layer of very large pebbles or a cushion of fine plants or mosses ensures that the voracious parent fish cannot get to the eggs and eat them again directly. After spawning, catch all adult tetras out of the rearing tank: they are not only spawn predators, but also eat young fish. After a few days, the baby fish hatch. As soon as they swim free, they are fed with finest live food like slipper fish or artemia euplii and later on with live food suitable from the size. With time the small tetras can be accustomed to commercial aquarium fish food.
Socialization of African Tetras
Blue Congo Tetras in particular are very compatible with other peaceful fish and therefore fit well in a community tank of 200 liters or more. Dwarf shrimps are considered a snack, while crayfish can sensitively injure or even eat the tetras, which are native to all water layers. Socialization with Amano shrimp or other larger shrimp species, on the other hand, is fine.
Feeding African tetras
African Pike Tetras are pure carnivores, whereas the Congo Blue Tetra is an omnivore. You can't go wrong with high quality live food of the right size! As a staple food for the Blue Congo Tetra, our NatureHolic staple feed, which is ideally suited to the needs of omnivorous ornamental fish, is suitable for all ornamental fish in the aquarium.
Conclusion
No aquarium without tetras - and now even an African theme with tetras is possible! The attractive iridescent colorful Blue Congo Tetras do well in soft to medium hard aquarium water. Their bright colors look super nice with green plants, and these beautiful large African tetras are perfect for any aquarium 200 liters or larger that can provide them with the conditions they need. Our hobby, aquaristics, finds here the perfect complement. In Garnelio's online store you can buy these healthy tetras from Africa in high quality.