African Moon Tetra
Alternative Name(s): African Moon Characin
Scientific Name(s): Bathyaethiops breuseghemi, Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus
Category: Tropical
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 8cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 240 litres
Minimum Tank Size: 4ft minimum
Water Temperature Range: 23-25°C
Water pH Range: 6.3-7.5
Water Hardness Range: 5-12 dGH
General Information: The common name African Moon Tetra essentially covers just caudomaculatus, but it is possible to categorise the two species together, as the similarities outweigh the differences. However, care should be taken not to buy in mixed shoals. Breuseghemi are generally silver in colour with a black spot towards the base of the tail, red fleck just under the dorsal fin, large eyes. Caudomaculatus are the same but have a yellow/gold base colour rather than silver.
Tank Requirements: Heavily planted. The African river locations these fish originate from are very like mid Amazon conditions. Provide plenty of hiding places.
Diet Requirements: Omnivorous. Feed a basic diet of pellet or flake food which must be supplemented with frozen live foods with a preference for small invertebrate prey and midge larvae.
Compatibility: Peaceful, very shy fish, one of the larger varieties of tetra. Must be housed in shoals of minimum 6 fish. Avoid housing with fin nippers.
Recommendations: Nicely embellished slow river tank with plants -fond of floating plant cover. Keep substrates dark coloured.
Common Problems: Hides in the presence of boisterous fish, wanes in too small a group. Susceptible to fungus and mouth erosion in less than adequate water conditions.
Similar Species: Many similar Arican characins: phenacogrammus etc., large communities of such mixed species possible.
Sexing: Females deeper in belly than the males and more rounded towards the tail. For caudomaculatus the red spot under the dorsal is smaller in females.
Breeding: Large shoal, equal sex split, spawning mats, ground level mosses and gravel areas, remove eggs to be raised away from parents.
Author(s): Complecs, longhairedgit, Fishlady | Photo: | Views: 24256
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