Long-Finned African Tetra
Brycinus longipinnis
A robust, active schooling fish native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of West Africa. They are characterized by their striking silver bodies and large, expressive eyes. Due to their size, speed, and energetic nature, they require a spacious aquarium with strong water flow and plenty of horizontal swimming space.
Long-Finned African Tetra At a Glance
Long-Finned African Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Long-Finned African Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Long-Finned African Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Long-Finned African Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Long-Finned African Tetra Water Parameters
Long-Finned African Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Long-Finned African Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are distinguished by their dramatic, elongated dorsal fin that often trails over their back, and typically display slightly more intense coloration. They are fast, active swimmers that frequently display to each other.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Long-Finned Tetra
Female
Females are typically slightly smaller and stockier than males, with a noticeably shorter, rounded dorsal fin. They lack the long filamentous extensions of their male counterparts.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female Long-Finned Tetra
Long-Finned African Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Long-Finned African Tetra, scientifically known as Brycinus longipinnis, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Long-Finned African Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–19 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Long-Finned African Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Long-Finned African Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Long-Finned African Tetra, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Long-Finned African Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Long-Finned African Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Long-Finned African Tetra Is Actually For
Long-Finned African Tetra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially driftwood.
The most common mistake is buying Long-Finned African Tetra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Long-Finned African Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Long-Finned African Tetra.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Long-Finned African Tetra Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Long-Finned African Tetra will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed and is an aggressive eater that may prevent timid tankmates from getting enough food, so target feeding or simultaneous feeding at opposite ends of the tank can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Finned African Tetra
How big does Long-Finned African Tetra get?
Long-Finned African Tetra (Brycinus longipinnis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Long-Finned African Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Long-Finned African Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Long-Finned African Tetra need?
Long-Finned African Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–19 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Long-Finned African Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Long-Finned African Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Long-Finned African Tetra should be kept together?
Long-Finned African Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Long-Finned African Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Long-Finned African Tetra benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Long-Finned African Tetra need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Long-Finned African Tetra is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Long-Finned African Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Long-Finned African Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesWhite Cheeked Goby
Rhinogobius duospilus
Ideal Tank MatesReticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
Ideal Tank MatesRaspy River Stingray
Potamotrygon scobina
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesSkunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Long-Finned African Tetra
These plants pair well with Long-Finned African Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Long-Finned African Tetra
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
A stunning, large schooling fish native to the Congo River basin. Known for their iridescent rainbow colors and active swimming behavior. Despite their size, they are notoriously peaceful and can be skittish, requiring ample swimming space, dim lighting or floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers.
Bentos Tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
A striking, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin. Characterized by a reddish-brown tint and a prominent black spot on the dorsal fin, often tipped with white. They are active but peaceful schooling fish. Males will frequently engage in harmless, visually impressive sparring displays to establish hierarchy and impress females.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
An extremely hardy and energetic schooling fish characterized by its silver body and striking bright red fins. As exceptionally active swimmers, they require plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very adaptable to temperature and water parameters, making them a fantastic choice for beginners. Must be kept in groups to curb minor fin-nipping tendencies.
Silvertip Tetra
Hasemania nana
The Silvertip Tetra is an energetic, hardy schooling fish native to the blackwater creeks of Brazil. Uniquely for tetras, they lack an adipose fin. Males are a striking deep copper/gold, while females are paler yellow, but both feature the eponymous bright silver-white tips on their fins. They are extremely active, boisterous swimmers and can be prone to fin-nipping if kept in too small a group or with slow-moving tank mates.
Rosy Finned Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra known for its reddish-pink hue and striking dorsal fin, which features a prominent black patch and white tip. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in heavily planted tanks with slightly acidic, soft water. Males frequently engage in harmless mock-battles by flaring their fins to establish hierarchy.