Red Ansorgi African tetra (Neolebias ansorgei) — 3-3,5cm

Overview of Red Ansorgi African tetra

The freshwater fish for sale uk, scientifically known as Neolebias ansorgei, a rare, beautifully colored miniature african tetra that shines in a calm, planted aquarium..

Native to West and Central Africa; freshwater habitats in the Congo Basin region, this difficult-care species belongs to the Distichodontidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

The Red Ansorgi African tetra displays the classic tetra body shape with distinctive markings that set it apart from other characins. Their schooling behavior creates a mesmerizing display of synchronized movement and color.

At Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.

Natural Habitat and Origin

In the wild, Neolebias ansorgei inhabits west and central africa; freshwater habitats in the congo basin region. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.

The natural habitat features specific water chemistry and environmental conditions that we carefully replicate in captive care for optimal health and longevity.

Aquarium Setup and Requirements

A minimum tank size of 60 litres is essential for housing Red Ansorgi African tetra. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.

A well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas suits this species perfectly. Use a dark substrate to enhance coloration, and include driftwood and leaf litter to create natural tannins and hiding places.

Invest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.

Water Parameters and Chemistry

Maintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Red Ansorgi African tetra:

• Temperature: 22-26C
• pH Range: 5.5-6.8
• Hardness: See species-specific requirements
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (zero tolerance)
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm ideally

This species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.

Invest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.

Feeding and Nutrition

As a omnivore, Red Ansorgi African tetra requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and quality micro-pellets; may also take finely crushed flake foods.

Vary the diet between quality flakes/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.

Remove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Red Ansorgi African tetra is classified as peaceful, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.

This peaceful species thrives in community setups with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Calm demeanor and gentle nature make it ideal for planted aquariums.

Best kept in a mature, well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting, gentle filtration, and excellent water quality. This species is small and can be stressed by strong current, bright light, or...

Compatible Tank Mates

Choose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:

Compatible species include:

• Small peaceful African fish
• Small peaceful catfish
• Non-aggressive snails

Avoid housing with:

• Large fish
• Aggressive fish
• Fin-nippers
• Fast boisterous species
• Predatory fish

Always research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.

Breeding and Reproduction

Likely an egg-scattering species that prefers soft, clean water and dense fine-leaved plants or spawning mops; fry should be started on infusoria or other very small foods. Breeding in home aquaria...

Egg-scattering species require dense planting or spawning mops to catch eggs. Remove adult fish immediately after spawning to prevent egg predation. Fry emerge in 24-48 hours and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Why Buy Red Ansorgi African tetra from Tropical Fish Co UK

When you choose Tropical Fish Co for your freshwater fish for sale uk purchase, you benefit from:

• Premium Quality: Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch
• Expert Selection: We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration
• Safe Delivery: Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging
• Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee
• Ongoing Support: Expert care advice available whenever you need it

With decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Red Ansorgi African tetra specimens are among the finest freshwater fish for sale uk available online today.

Order with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.