Jelly Bean Tetra — a Alestidae from West Africa, peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Reaches 2.3–3.4 cm; shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. 22–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6–7
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
2.3–3.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks
Origin
West Africa
Species overview
Alestidae species Ladigesia roloffi comes from West Africa. A mid-water shoaler whose colour and courage arrive together, with the group. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 2.3–3.4 cm. Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. Dark substrate, gentle light, big school — the three levers for this fish. Maintain 22–26 °C at pH 6–7. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm
Diet
Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour
Recommended tankmates
Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass
Avoid keeping with
Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops