1. Introduction
【Child】”Oh, esteemed Professor! Have you ever come across the African Moon Tetra, the radiant, nocturnal creatures that sip moonlight? I’m intrigued and wish to know more about these angels of the dark.”
【Professor】”Ah, young connoisseur of the finned arts, you jest like a witty Cupid! You do present me with interesting topics of conversation. The African Moon Tetra, indeed, a fascinating fish to discuss. Today, I shall share with thee their characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and a bit of caution when keeping them.”
2. Characteristics
【Child】”Pray, tell me, do they indeed resemble the night-borne Selene, the lunar goddess, clad in a shimmering silvery hue that rivals the moonlit sky?”
【Professor】”Having an affinity for mythology, I see! The African Moon Tetra do possess a mystique, like the moonlit night. Their bodies are a subtle silver with a tinge of golden-yellow hue. To further embellish their beauty, they bear the marks of nearly translucent edges on their fins. Their sleek and elongated bodies grow to approximately 2.5 inches, much like the design of a swift racehorse of Neptune.”
3. Habitat
【Child】”Might these celestial fish find their homes in the paradisiacal realms of Arcadia or Elysium, flitting amongst the legendary flora and fauna?”
【Professor】 “You have quite the imagination, my young friend! While not exactly the supernatural abodes of divine creatures, African Moon Tetras are found in the earthly paradise of West Africa, dwelling in rivers and lakes amongst the submerged vegetation. Their ideal aquarium mimics their natural habitat, including soft and slightly acidic water, dense vegetation and hiding spots. Much like nymphs of the water, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by keeping insects in check.”
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】”Brilliant minds like Da Vinci created masterpieces following strict guidelines, so what’s the Magister Ludi of African Moon Tetras?”
【Professor】”Indeed, let’s talk about their Vitruvian Man! African Moon Tetras require a minimum tank size of 20 gallons with ample vegetation providing hiding spots. Water temperature should be kept between 71-80°F with a pH of 6.0-7.2 and soft to moderately hard water. To maintain their dietary balance, they should be fed a mix of high-quality flakes, live and frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.”
5. Behavior
【Child】”Behold! Edward Lear’s ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ frolicked in the dark night. How do these lunar fish spend their nights?”
【Professor】”Ha! These fish are not nocturnal dancers, but they do share the trait of being night-loving creatures. African Moon Tetras are generally peaceful, schooling fish that prefer to spend their days hiding amongst vegetation and emerging at dusk to forage for food. Their diet consists of insects, smaller crustaceans, and even plant matter.”
6. Breeding
【Child】”The romantic tale of Pluto and Persephone bore fruits of love in abundance. Procreation of these silver-hued fish must be equally enchanting!”
【Professor】”Ah, perhaps not as dramatic, yet mesmerizing in its own right! African Moon Tetras scatter their eggs in dense plant growths, and after spawning, it is best to remove the adult fish, for they might prey upon their own eggs or fry! In three to four days, the eggs hatch, the offspring can be fed infusoria or artemia larvae to promote healthy growth.”
7. Cautions
【Child】”Icarus fell from grace as the sun scorched his wings. Will there be misfortune for these lunar-dwelling fish or their finned companions?”
【Professor】”A salient reminder of caution, my friend! The African Moon Tetra generally coexists peacefully with most fish species that share similar water requirements. However, do avoid pairing them with abnormally aggressive fish or those that are too large so they don’t end up targeted or injured.”
8. Conclusion
【Child】”Thank you, kind Professor, for the wisdom of keeping these divine creatures in our mystical underwater garden!”
【Professor】”It was my pleasure, young pisciculture enthusiast! African Moon Tetras are truly celestial beings worth marveling at. If their husbandry requirements and compatibility with other species are well attended to, they will certainly bring a lunar glow to our watery Eden.”