A lively and colorful shoaling fish from the Congo River basin, the Blackfin Congo Tetra is a lesser-known but beautiful cousin of the more common Congo Tetra.
Overview
The Blackfin Congo Tetra, Alestopetersius nigropterus, is a vibrant and active tetra from the Alestidae family, native to the Congo River basin in Africa. This species is characterized by its shimmering, iridescent scales that flash with blue, green, and gold, and the distinct black edging on its dorsal and anal fins. Males are typically more colorful and develop the impressive, flowing fin extensions that are characteristic of the Congo tetra group. They are a shoaling species that will bring a great deal of activity and beauty to a well-maintained aquarium.
Tank Requirements
A school of 6-8 Blackfin Congo Tetras should be housed in at least a 30-gallon (120 liters) aquarium to provide ample swimming space. They prefer a setup that mimics their natural habitat: a well-planted tank with a dark substrate, plenty of driftwood, and open areas for swimming. Dim lighting will enhance their colors and make them feel more secure.
Water conditions should be soft and acidic, with a temperature range of 75-81°F (24-27°C), a pH of 6.0-7.0, and a hardness of 2-10 dGH. They are sensitive to water quality, so excellent filtration and regular water changes are essential.
Feeding and Diet
Blackfin Congo Tetras are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet to maintain their health and vitality. A high-quality flake food or micropellet can be used as a staple, but it is important to supplement this with live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. This will help to bring out their best coloration and encourage spawning behavior.
Care and Maintenance
This species requires a commitment to maintaining pristine water conditions. Weekly water changes of 30-50% are recommended. They are a peaceful shoaling fish and must be kept in groups of at least 6, with larger groups being preferable. In a larger school, they will be more confident, their colors will be more vibrant, and their interesting social behaviors will be more apparent. They can be skittish, so a calm environment is important.
Compatibility
The Blackfin Congo Tetra is a great choice for a peaceful community aquarium. They should be kept with other fish of a similar size and temperament. Good tankmates include other African tetras, such as the Yellow-Tail Congo Tetra, dwarf cichlids like those from the Pelvicachromis genus, and various catfish and loaches. Avoid housing them with large, aggressive, or overly boisterous fish.
Breeding
Breeding the Blackfin Congo Tetra is possible but can be challenging. A dedicated breeding tank with very soft, acidic water is required. The tank should be dimly lit and contain clumps of fine-leaved plants like Java moss or a spawning mop. The fish should be conditioned with plenty of live and frozen foods. They are egg-scatterers and will eat their own eggs, so the parents should be removed after spawning. The eggs hatch in about 36 hours, and the fry will need to be fed infusoria or other microscopic foods for the first few days.