Genus · Tetras

Bryconalestes

Bryconalestes is a genus with 6 species in this atlas, catalogued in the Tetras section, recorded from Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon and 14 more countries. Adult sizes run from 3 in to 6.5 in. Every species below links to a full researched profile.

Species in atlas
6
Adult sizes
3–6.5 in
IUCN assessed
6 of 6 · 2 threatened
Recorded from
17 countries

About the genus

Bryconalestes is a genus of African tetras in the family Alestidae, split out from the larger Alestes/Brycinus complex. Species occur across Central and West African river systems, spanning countries including Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Atlas species range from about 3–6.5 in, elongated and laterally compressed like other alestid characins, built for active swimming in open water.

The long-finned tetra, Bryconalestes longipinnis, is the genus's best-known aquarium representative - a slim, silvery characin with notably elongated dorsal and anal fins, kept by hobbyists who favor larger, active African tetras for spacious community tanks. The rest of the genus is little known outside regional ichthyology. Conservation status leans toward concern: the atlas lists two Endangered species alongside three Least Concern and one unassessed, suggesting real pressure on at least part of the genus's West and Central African range.

IUCN Red List: Endangered · 2 Least Concern · 3 Not Evaluated · 1

The 6 species

Every Bryconalestes recorded in this atlas. Each card links to a full researched profile — distribution, water parameters, and aquarium care, cited to primary sources.

(Nichols & La Monte, 1953)

3.5 in SL · EN

(Géry & Mahnert, 1977)

3 in SL · EN

(Boulenger, 1903)

3 in SL · LC

(Günther, 1864)

Long-finned tetra, Longfin tetra, African longfin tetra

6.5 in TL · LC

(Pappenheim, 1911)

5 in TL · NE

(Pellegrin, 1901)

3.5 in SL · LC

Explore further

How to cite

Aquarist Atlas (2026). Genus Bryconalestes. Aquarist Atlas. https://www.aquaristatlas.com/bryconalestes/

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