TankBud

Niger tetra

Arnoldichthys spilopterus

Also known as African Red Eyed Tetra, African Red Eye Tetra

FreshwaterFish

Niger tetra (Arnoldichthys spilopterus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–81°F
24–27°C
pH
6.0–8.0
Adult size
3.9 in
10 cm
Minimum tank
50 gal
190 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Egg scatterer · Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Alestidae
Origin
Nigeria

Overview

The Niger tetra is a large, peaceful schooling tetra for a roomy community tank. It is easy to keep.

Did you know

The IUCN lists the Niger tetra as Endangered. It is endemic to Nigeria, and its wild populations are declining.

Caring for the Niger tetra

Keep Niger tetras in a group of at least six in a tank of 50 gal (190 L) or larger. They are big, fast fish that need swimming space. A planted tank with open swimming room in the middle suits them.

Keep the water at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C), with a pH anywhere from 6.0 to 8.0. They are not fussy about exact parameters as long as conditions are stable. They are easy eaters and do well on quality flake, pellets and frozen foods like bloodworm.

Niger tetras are peaceful but active, and they sit in the middle to upper water column. Pair them with robust tank mates rather than tiny fish.

Niger tetras are egg scatterers with no parental care. Unlike most tetras, the female lays unusually large eggs, which sink into leaf litter and debris. The fry are big at hatching and grow fast. That is one reason this species is a bit easier to breed than many of its relatives.

Good to know

The Niger tetra is an African characin in the family Alestidae. Adults are silver, with a dark spot on the dorsal fin and a sharp red and gold eye. That eye is why it also sells as the African red eyed tetra.

In the wild

The Niger tetra comes from rivers and streams in southern Nigeria, including the Niger and Ogun basins. These are soft to moderately hard waters with cover from plants and roots.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The Niger tetra is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. 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 Niger tetra need?

A Niger tetra needs at least 50 gal (190 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Niger tetra need?

A Niger tetra is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.

What does a Niger tetra eat?

A Niger tetra is an easy eater. It does well on quality flake, pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworm.

How big does a Niger tetra get?

An adult Niger tetra reaches about 3.9 in (10 cm).

Does a Niger tetra need a group?

Yes. A Niger tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

How does a Niger tetra breed?

Niger tetras scatter their eggs and give no parental care. The female lays unusually large eggs, and the big fry grow fast, so breeding them is a bit easier than for many relatives.

Related species