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Black fin moon tetra

Bathyaethiops atercrinis

Black fin moon tetra© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Black fin moon tetra (Bathyaethiops atercrinis) is a tiny, silvery freshwater tetra that inhabits slow‑moving streams and ponds. At only about 4 cm it is popular among nano‑aquarium hobbyists rather than sport anglers, but it can be caught on a light rig for observation or bait collection.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Alestidae

Max Size

4 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

All year, with peak activity in the rainy season when water is slightly warmer

Best Time

Early morning or late evening when surface insects are abundant

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Black fin moon tetra

  • Use an ultralight 2‑foot rod with a 0.6‑1.0 lb test line
  • Employ a floating micro‑float or a tiny split‑shot rig to keep the bait near the surface
  • Present live micro‑bait such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia for best attraction
  • Keep the retrieve gentle; the fish will snap at any slight disturbance

Top Fishing Locations for Black fin moon tetra

Lomami River, Kindu

Democratic Republic of Congo
intermediate70% Very Common

A tributary of the Congo River known for abundant black fin moon tetra in its slow‑moving backwaters.

Best: May‑September

Sangha River, near Bangui

Central African Republic
beginner55% Common

Clear forest‑lined stretches where the tetra congregates around submerged roots.

Best: June‑August

Southern Shore of Lake Tanganyika, Mpanda

Tanzania
intermediate45% Occasional

Rocky littoral zones with dense vegetation provide perfect habitat during the dry season.

Best: October‑December

Ngounié River

Gabon
beginner60% Common

Shallow floodplain pools teeming with small fish, accessible from the town of Lambaréné.

Best: March‑May

Kafue River, Upper Kafue Gorge

Zambia
expert30% Occasional

Remote gorge sections with fast‑flowing riffles where the species is a prized find for adventurous anglers.

Best: November‑February

Lomako River, Upper Congo Basin

Democratic Republic of Congo
intermediate50% Common

Pristine tributary with dense canopy cover; known for seasonal spikes in tetra activity.

Best: April‑June

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Black fin moon tetra

Recommended Equipment

Rod2‑foot ultralight spinning rod, fast action
Line0.6‑1.0 lb test fluorocarbon or monofilament
Lure TypeMicro soft plastic grub or tiny spinnerbait (1‑2 mm)
TechniqueLight surface float or micro‑jigging with a gentle twitch

Best bait: Live baby brine shrimp, daphnia, or micro mosquito larvae