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Banded darter tetra

Nannocharax fasciatus

Also known as Banded African darter tetra

FreshwaterFish

Banded darter tetra (Nannocharax fasciatus)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
2.6 in
6.5 cm
Minimum tank
21 gal
80 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Distichodontidae
Origin
Coastal rivers of West Africa

Overview

The banded darter tetra is a peaceful, bottom-hugging African characin. It suits a keeper past the beginner stage.

Did you know

The banded darter tetra lives an ocean away from South America's darter characins, yet it evolved the same design. Both are barred, bottom-perching characins that rest propped on their fins and hop rather than cruise. The two lineages are unrelated.

Caring for the banded darter tetra

A small group of banded darter tetras settles into a tank of 21 gal (80 L). Give them open sand, smooth rounded stones, driftwood and some cover at the edges. A gentle to moderate current gives them something to work against.

Keep the water well oxygenated, at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They are sensitive to fresh, unsettled water, so a mature tank and steady maintenance suit them best.

Feed sinking foods and small frozen items such as bloodworm and brine shrimp. They pick these from the substrate and plant surfaces.

Banded darter tetras are peaceful and sociable. They can live alone, but if you keep a group, six or so is a good size. Choose calm, similarly sized tank mates rather than tiny or very delicate fish. There is no record of them breeding in aquariums.

Good to know

Nannocharax fasciatus is a small African darter in the family Distichodontidae. It carries the dark cross-bars its name records. The various banded Nannocharax are notoriously hard to tell apart.

In the wild

The banded darter tetra lives in the coastal rivers and streams of West Africa, broadly from Senegal across to Cameroon. It keeps to clear, flowing water over sand and stone.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The banded darter tetra is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a banded darter tetra need?

A banded darter tetra needs at least 21 gal (80 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a banded darter tetra need?

A banded darter tetra is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a banded darter tetra eat?

A banded darter tetra eats sinking foods and small frozen items such as bloodworm and brine shrimp. It picks them from the substrate and plant surfaces.

How big does a banded darter tetra get?

An adult banded darter tetra reaches about 2.6 in (6.5 cm).

Related species