African Moon Tetra (Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus)
African Moon Tetras are one of the larger Tetra varieties and are relatively easy to look after. They are a peaceful shoaling community fish that seems happiest and looks best when kept in a large group in a spacious tank; therefore, you should keep these fish in groups of 6 or more individuals alongside other peaceful tankmates similar in size.
These fish do not do well with larger, more boisterous tankmates as they are relatively shy and it is not recommended to house them with fish that may nip fins.
African Moon Tetras are a relatively deep-bodied fish with a general yellowish-gold colouration. They display a large black spot at the base of the forked caudal fin and sport a small red fleck visible under the dorsal fin. These fish have large eyes and transparent fins that are tinged with red.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus |
| Other Names | African Moonfish, African Moon Characin |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Alestidae |
| Genus | Bathyaethiops |
| Origins | Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 73 - 77℉ 22.8 - 25℃ | |
Photos of the African Moon Tetra
Natural Habitat
The African Moon Tetra can be found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Sangha River, Lualaba River, Congo River, Pool Malebo and the Lomami River, a major tributary of the Congo River. They can also be observed in some parts of Cameroon, where they inhabit slow-flowing water that is covered with thick vegetation.
What to feed the African Moon Tetra
African Moon Tetras will accept most foods, but it would be best to feed your Tetras on an essential diet of high-quality dried food such as pellet or flake food. This should be supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworm and daphnia with a preference for small invertebrate prey and midge larvae.
How to sex the African Moon Tetra
It is relatively straightforward to distinguish the males from the female African Moon Tetras. Females tend to be more profound in the abdomen than the males and more rounded towards the tail. Also, the female's red spot under the dorsal fin is somewhat smaller than the males.
How to breed the African Moon Tetra
Unfortunately, there is not much information available about breeding the African Moon Tetras however I can imagine they produce similar to that of other African Tetra species.
The African Moon Tetras prefer to spawn in groups, add the same number from each sex and also add some java moss, gravel or spawning mops for the eggs to be laid on. Once spawning is complete, remove all of the parents to prevent the eggs from being consumes. When the fry is free swimming, you can feed them on Infusoria initially.