Long-finned Tetra (Bryconalestes longipinnis)

Africa’s tetras are all too often overlooked by aquarists, but the continent has some real gems. Most should be familiar with the Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) or the African Red-eyed Tetra (Arnoldichthys spilopterus), but fewer are likely to have encountered the Long-finned Tetra (Bryconalestes longipinnis).

This species is native to the rivers of West Africa, from Gambia to Gabon. It inhabits both large and small river systems and is even reported from slightly brackish environments. These waters are generally warm and mostly neutral in pH.

Traditionally, the Long-finned Tetra has been regarded as belonging to Brycinus, a diverse genus of silvery species that vary from quite small to absolutely enormous. The largest of the bunch is the Big-scale Tetra (Brycinus macrolepidotus), which occurs all throughout tropical Africa and can reach nearly two feet in length! However, a study of this group published in 2005 showed that these two are only distantly related, and so Bryconalestes was recognized for three species of ex-Brycinus whose males develop elongated dorsal and pelvic fins. Most references have been slow to adopt this change, so you will still see the older name more often tha not.

Though it might not reach the bulky dimensions of the Big-scale Tetra, B. longipinnis is still a fairly large fish, making for a particularly eye-catching addition to aquariums. Specimens will top out at around 5 inches, with males developing some truly impressive finnage. Of course, juveniles are far more commonly available, so some imagination will be needed to appreciate the full splendor of this fish when it matures.

As with any of the African tetras, this species should be kept in as large a group as possible, with a half-dozen being a good minimum number. Though it is presumably omnivorous in the wild, this fish is reported by aquarists to prefer a more meat-heavy diet. Given its large size, an equally large aquarium is called for, especially since this fish is quite active and easily startled. Heavily planted systems should help to provide a calm environment.

There are many interesting African fishes to create an accurate biotope with. The aforementioned Congo and Red-eyed Tetras would be fine choices. The various Pelvicachromis and Hemichromis cichlids from the West African rivers would also work well. And, for a bottom-dweller, consider some of the region’s native Synodontis catfishes.