African striped tetra, wild-caught Nannaethiops unitaeniatus, male, 34 cm | Elegant schooling fish

Description

The African striped tetra (Nannaethiops unitaeniatus), wild-caught, is an elegant and peaceful schooling fish from the clear, vegetation-rich waters of West Africa. Its shimmering silvery body , distinct black longitudinal stripe , and delicate reddish-tinted fins give it a stylish, high-contrast appearance.

As a wild-caught fish , this characin displays particularly intense colors, lively behavior, and a natural radiance. It originates from slow-flowing rivers in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cameroon , where it lives in slightly acidic, soft water. In the aquarium, it prefers similar conditions with dense marginal planting, dark substrate, and gently subdued lighting .

Characteristics & Attitude:

Size: 34 cm (M), final size approx. 56 cm
Origin: Africa (Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cameroon wild-caught)
Temperature: 23-27C
pH value: 6.07.2
Total hardness: up to 10 dGH
Social behavior: Peaceful schooling fish, from 810 individuals
Aquarium: From 100 liters, with plants, roots and shaded areas

Feeding:
It eats live, frozen, and dry food. A varied diet including small insect larvae and plant matter enhances color and vitality.

Tip:
A blackwater setup with Indian almond leaves and alder cones brings out the dark band and golden reflections particularly well.

Conclusion:
The African striped tetra (Nannaethiops unitaeniatus) is a calm, elegant African fish with classic line markings ideal for lovers of rare wild forms and natural biotope aquariums.