Family: Alestidae
Distribution: Alestopetersius caudalis, commonly known as the Yellowtail Tetra, is distributed throughout Africa’s Congo River basin.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)
Hardness: 10 – 20 dH
Description: The Yellowtail Tetra can reach around 7 cm in length; females are slightly smaller than males. This species has a pale body which will shine in a well-lit tank. Its dorsal area may display a blue colour while its side has elements of yellow and silver. The Yellowtail Tetra’s caudal fin has a bold yellow colour, while its other fins have a blue-white edging. Females lack the white edging at their fins and, in contrast to males, do not have a black middle section on their caudal fin. This species can live a long life of up to 10 years.
Diet: Alestopetersius caudalis is an omnivorous species. It will eat anything you give it, but provide it with a solid flake as its staple. It may be fed the occasional shrimp, bloodworm and daphnia.
Breeding: The Yellowtail Tetra is not easily bred in captivity. For best results you should have a planted tank and make sure you give the parents live foods for two weeks before pairing them up. Remove the parents from the tank as soon as you see the scattering of eggs.
Comments: Provide this species with plenty of plants and an open swimming space. It is wise to create hiding spots in the form of pot-plants, wood and rocks. You should house the Yellowtail Tetra in a tank of at least 60 litres. This species should be kept in groups of 5 – 6 fish; the lighting in the tank should be subdued.
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Recommended Compatible Species: This species has a very peaceful temperament and should be housed with placid, similarly sized fish. They will live happily with most other Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
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