Description

Micralestes acutidens:

Sharptooth Tetra Care Guide

Common Names: $\text{Sharptooth Tetra}$, $\text{River Tetra}$ Scientific Name: Micralestes acutidens Family: $\text{Alestidae}$ (African $\text{Tetras}$) Origin: Widespread across West and Central Africa, found in major river basins including the Congo and Niger.

The $\text{Sharptooth Tetra}$ (Micralestes acutidens) is an active and sleek African $\text{tetra}$ that brings a dynamic presence to a large community aquarium. Reaching up to $\text{4 inches}$ ($10\text{ cm}$), this species is significantly larger and more boisterous than the popular South American $\text{tetras}$. As their common name suggests, they have small, sharp teeth adapted for feeding on insects and small fish, meaning tank mate selection must be done with caution. They are best suited for experienced fishkeepers with large, river-style setups.

Key Characteristics and Temperament

• Size: Grows to approximately $8\text{ to }10\text{ cm}$ (3 to 4 inches) in the aquarium.
• Appearance: They possess an elongated, silvery body, reflecting their active, riverine nature. The fins are typically clear or slightly yellow-tinted. Their distinguishing features are the overall streamlined shape and the notably large eye. They lack the prominent spots or stripes seen in many other African $\text{tetras}$.
• Temperament: Active, fast-swimming, and prone to $\text{fin-nipping}$ if not kept in a large, secure school. They have a distinct $\text{pecking order}$ within the group. While generally peaceful towards similarly sized, fast-moving fish, they should never be kept with slow, long-finned species like $\text{Angelfish}$ or $\text{Betta}$ fish.
• Activity: They are mid-to-upper water column dwellers and are constantly moving, requiring open space.

Aquarium Requirements

These fish are powerful swimmers from large river systems and must have plenty of room to thrive.

Tank Size and Group Structure

• Minimum Tank Size: Due to their size and energetic nature, a tank of at least $200\text{ litres}$ ($45\text{ Imperial Gallons}$) is recommended. A longer footprint is far more important than height.
• School Size: A robust school of 8 or more individuals is essential. Keeping a large group helps $\text{diffuse}$ aggression and $\text{fin-nipping behaviour}$ amongst the school itself, rather than directed at other species.

Substrate and $\text{Deˊcor}$

• Substrate: A dark-coloured sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal, providing a natural aesthetic that enhances their silvery $\text{colouration}$.
• Layout: The tank layout should feature a large central area left completely open for swimming.
• Plants and Hiding Spots: Use dense, robust planting along the back and sides of the tank. $\text{Driftwood}$ branches and large river stones can be used to create sheltered areas for rest or retreat, but ensure these do not impede swimming space.
• Lighting: Standard to bright lighting is acceptable, but incorporating some surface movement or floating plants can create dappled light, which they appreciate.

Water Parameters

Micralestes acutidens is quite adaptable but appreciates clean, highly oxygenated water with a neutral $\text{pH}$.

Parameter	Recommended Range
Temperature	24∘C to 28∘C (75∘F to 82∘F)
$\text{pH}$	$6.5$ to $7.5$ (Neutral to slightly alkaline is common)
Hardness ($\text{GH}$)	Soft to Medium ($\text{dH }5\text{ to }15$)

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Powerful $\text{biological}$ and $\text{mechanical filtration}$ is a necessity. They are messy eaters and produce a fair amount of waste.
• Water Flow: These fish come from flowing rivers, so a strong water current from a filter outlet or powerhead should be provided. This will encourage their natural $\text{behaviour}$ and provide good oxygenation.
• Maintenance: Weekly water changes of $25\%$ to $35\%$ are necessary to maintain low nitrate levels, which is crucial for all African river fish.

Diet and Tank Mates

Dietary Needs

As a carnivorous omnivore, the $\text{Sharptooth Tetra}$ requires a varied, protein-rich diet to maintain its health and energy levels.

• Staple: A high-quality flake or small, sinking pellet food should form the base of the diet.
• Protein Enrichment: This is vital. Supplement the diet several times a week with $\text{frozen}$ or $\text{live foods}$, such as $\text{brine shrimp}$, $\text{Daphnia}$, $\text{mysis shrimp}$, or $\text{chopped earthworm}$.
• $\text{Variety}$: Ensure a small amount of vegetable matter is included, either naturally present in the prepared food or via occasional servings of blanched $\text{spinach}$.

Compatibility

Select tank mates carefully. Only pair the $\text{Sharptooth Tetra}$ with fish that are too large to be eaten and are fast enough to handle their boisterous activity.

• Suitable Tank Mates: Robust, non-aggressive $\text{Cichlids}$ (like $\text{Rainbow Cichlids}$ or medium $\text{Geophagus}$ species), $\text{Bosemani Rainbowfish}$, $\text{large Congo Tetras}$, and many species of $\text{medium-to-large Catfish}$ (e.g., $\text{Synodontis}$ species).
• Incompatible Tank Mates: Any small, slow, or shy fish. Avoid housing them with fish that have long, flowing fins ($\text{Angelfish}$, $\text{Guppies}$), as these will inevitably be targeted for $\text{fin-nipping}$.