Congo Tetra
Also known as: Phenacogrammus interruptus
The Congo Tetra is a vibrant, iridescent schooling fish native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained waters of the Congo River Basin. The Congo Tetra originates from Congo River Basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, reaches Adult size: 8 cm in captivity, typically lives 5-8 years, and is kept at 23-27°C (73-81°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Congo River Basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Adult size
- Adult size: 8 cm (3.1 inches)
- Life span
- 5-8 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful, schooling fish; best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Tank size
- Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons) for a small group; 115 liters (30 gallons) recommended for optimal schooling behavior
- Water temp
- 23-27°C (73-81°F)
- pH range
- 6.0-7.5
- Diet
- Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Other names
- Phenacogrammus interruptus
About the Congo Tetra
The Congo Tetra is a vibrant, iridescent schooling fish native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained waters of the Congo River Basin. Males display striking elongated fins and metallic blue-green body coloration with red and gold accents, while females are more subdued. They thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with subdued lighting and plenty of vegetation. Active and peaceful, they are excellent additions to community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species.
Lifespan and health
With proper care, Congo Tetras typically live 5 to 8 years in captivity, though exceptional individuals may reach up to 10 years under optimal conditions. Longevity is strongly influenced by stable water parameters, a varied diet, and low stress levels; sudden pH swings or temperatures outside their preferred range can significantly shorten lifespan. Common health issues include ich (white spot disease) when stressed or exposed to poor water quality, and fungal infections if injured or kept in overly cold water. Preventative care includes quarantining new fish, maintaining consistent temperatures above 24°C (75°F), and providing a diet rich in vitamins to support immune function; early signs of illness such as clamped fins, lethargy, or loss of color should prompt immediate water testing and observation.
Overview
The Congo Tetra is a vibrant, iridescent schooling fish native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained waters of the Congo River Basin. Males display striking elongated fins and metallic blue-green body coloration with red and gold accents, while females are more subdued. They thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with subdued lighting and plenty of vegetation. Active and peaceful, they are excellent additions to community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a dark substrate, driftwood, and dense planting with species like Java fern or Anubias to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. Provide open swimming areas in the middle and upper water columns, as they are active mid-level swimmers. A gentle filter flow is preferred; avoid strong currents that can exhaust them. Maintain water quality with weekly 25% water changes and ensure ammonia and nitrite levels remain at 0 ppm. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, offering only what they can consume within 2-3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water fouling. Ideal tankmates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma, and Corydoras catfish; avoid fin-nippers or large, aggressive species that may intimidate or harm them.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Congo Tetra, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.