African moon tetra

African moon tetra
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Characiformes
Family:	Alestidae
Genus:	Bathyaethiops
Species:	B. caudomaculatus
Binomial name
Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus (Pellegrin, 1925)
Synonyms [2]
Micralestes caudomaculatusPellegrin, 1925

The African moon tetra (Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus), also known as the common moon tetra, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Alestidae, the African tetras. This fish is found in slow flowing rivers of the middle and lower course of the Congo River. The fish is often kept in aquaria but little is known about is its distribution and habits.

Appearance

The African moon tetra measures around 8 cm (3.1 in) long, it is a relatively deep bodied fish with a general gold coloration, which is interrupted by a large black spot at the base of the caudal fin of the fish. There is also a small red spot visible under the dorsal fin, this is smaller in females (which are generally deeper bodied). The fish has typically large eyes and clear fins.

Distribution

The African moon tetra is found in the central and lower Congo River basin where it inhabits densely vegetated streams and backwaters.

Habits

The African moon tetra is a shoaling fish which is often found around underwater structures or below floating plants. B. caudomaculatus is omnivorous feeding on small aquatic insects as well as plant matter.

References

1. Moelants, T. (2010). "Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010: e.T182573A7917771. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T182573A7917771.en . Retrieved 13 June 2025.
2. Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Species in the genus Bathyaethiops". Catalog of Fishes . California Academy of Sciences . Retrieved 13 June 2025.