Care guide · Freshwater · fish
Long-finned tetra
Bryconalestes longipinnis
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Bryconalestes longipinnis, the long-finned tetra, is a large African shoaling fish in the family Alestidae. Older aquarium books and trade lists often call it Brycinus longipinnis. The current taxonomic combination is Bryconalestes longipinnis; this is a name change, not a second species. It occurs across West and Central Africa and is imported less often than many familiar tetras. It can be robust after proper acclimation, but transport and declining water quality need particular attention. Ask how long the fish were in transit and check that they respond actively to food before placing them.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- GH
- 5–19 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 120 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 137 L
- Adult size
- At least 12.5 cm
- Group size
- At least 5 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
Seriously Fish reports about 125 mm standard length. This is measured to the tail base and excludes the caudal fin. The adult fish is therefore much larger than many people expect from the word ‘tetra’. Plan the aquarium and shoal for adult size, not the juvenile size seen in shops. The common name refers to the long fins, but estimating final size from a photograph is unreliable.Natural habitat
The species is reported across a broad West and Central African range, from Gambia to the Congo region. It inhabits large rivers and may also use smaller streams and occasionally lightly brackish estuaries. This does not mean aquarium water should be salted; specialist care sources treat it as a freshwater fish. Natural waters may be tannin-stained by organic matter. Dark substrate and plants are options, but retain plenty of open swimming room.Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish recommends a tank base of at least 120 by 38 cm, about 137 litres at the stated standard height. The long footprint matters for this active shoaling fish. Keep several together and provide open swimming water, sheltered edges and a secure lid. Newly imported fish may be reluctant to feed and are sensitive to deteriorating water quality, especially elevated nitrate. Consistent maintenance and reliable filtration are essential.Water conditions
The specialist aquarium profile lists 22–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5 and GH 5–19 dGH. The practical priority is not chasing a precise pH, but preventing fluctuations and waste accumulation. Test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate appropriately and maintain a consistent water-change routine. Acclimate newly arrived fish gradually and monitor breathing, colour and feeding response.Behaviour and group size
Bryconalestes longipinnis is an active shoaling fish. Choose tankmates that are robust and large enough as adults and will not be continually chased. Consider its sensitivity to poor water quality and the quiet acclimation newly imported fish need. A combination can still fail despite similar temperature and pH because of food competition, insufficient tank length or mismatched activity. Observe the shoal after introduction and respond to persistent stress.Feeding
After import, the long-finned tetra may initially be reluctant to eat; the specialist profile says it usually adapts to varied foods. Offer suitable flakes or granules alongside live or frozen foods. Regular protein-rich items such as finely chopped earthworm or prawn are suggested for condition. Start with small portions and check every fish is feeding. Remove leftovers promptly because this species is sensitive to declining water quality.Breeding
The species is an egg scatterer. The specialist account says newly hatched larvae first need infusoria or liquid fry food, followed after a few days by Artemia nauplii or microworms. High dissolved oxygen is described as important. This does not make breeding easy or guaranteed; broodstock condition, water and timing matter. Prepare a separate breeding setup carefully and do not promise a fixed yield.Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .
View the sources
- Seriously Fish — Bryconalestes longipinnis — current name, dimensions, aquarium care, food and breeding
- California Academy of Sciences — Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes — current valid combination and distribution
- FishBase — Bryconalestes longipinnis — group size, size and distribution data
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Longfin Tetra ecological risk screening — accepted name context