Yellowtail Tetra (Alestopetersius caudalis)
| Yellowtail Tetra Alestopetersius caudalis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Yellowtail Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Alestopetersius caudalis |
| Synonym | Petersius caudalis |
| Family | African Tetras |
| Family lat. | Alestidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Africa |
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 7 cm |
| Temperature | 22-25 °C |
| Hardness | 10-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.8" |
| Temperature | 72-77 °F |
| Hardness | 178-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Yellow Congo Tetra is the Pool Nalebo (Stanley Pool) in the lower Congo River and Congo tributaries in the lower and middle reaches of the river.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied planting, which offers both shelters, as well as sufficient swimming space. With shaded light (floating plant cover) and dark substrate they show the most beautiful coloration.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They prefer live food, which is eaten without problems even in frozen form, such as daphnia, cyclops and tubifex. Especially mysis and black mosquito larvae should not be missing, as they are needed to maintain the luminosity and body color. Dry food (granules, flakes, etc.) is also well accepted.
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful, unproblematic schooling fish for the community tank, but they should not be kept together with species known to be fin twitchers. At least 5, but preferably more Yellow Congo Tetras should be kept together.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar water condition and water temperature requirements should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
In males, the ventral and anal fins have white tips.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in the open water at the bottom. The larvae hatch after about 35 hours and swim freely after about 6 days.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia). Breeding is hardly possible in a community tank, as the spawn is easy prey here.
Important
Experience shows that the life expectancy of Yellow Congo Tetras is reduced if the water temperature exceeds 25 °C for a prolonged period.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung-Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF