Description

Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus

• Common Names: Congo Tetra, African Congo Tetra

• Family: Alestidae (African Tetras)

• Order: Characiformes

• Origin: Central Africa — mainly in the Congo River Basin, inhabiting slow-moving rivers and forest streams.

• Size: Up to 8–9 cm (3–3.5 inches)

• Lifespan: 4 – 6 years

• Tank Zone: Middle to upper levels

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Hardness: 3 – 18 dGH

• TDS: 100 – 250 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

• Body Shape: Elongated and slightly flattened sides.

• Coloration: Shimmering iridescent hues — blue, violet, orange, and gold with a silvery base. Males have extended flowing fins with a metallic sheen.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger with longer fins and brighter colors.

• Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish, active and graceful swimmers.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.

• Feeding Frequency: 2 – 3 times daily in small portions.

• Tip: Add carotenoid-rich foods to enhance their rainbow colors.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 100 liters (25 gallons) for a small group.

• Filtration: Gentle but efficient filtration; prefers clean, well-oxygenated water.

• Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel enhances color contrast.

• Decor: Dense plants, driftwood, and open swimming space.

• Lighting: Moderate; soft lighting brings out iridescence.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful, schooling fish.

• Tank Mates: Ideal with similar-sized peaceful species like Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Corydoras, Angelfish, and Gouramis.

• Avoid: Fin-nippers or overly aggressive fish.

• Activity: Active during the day, especially under dim light.

✅ Do’s
• Keep in groups of 6 or more for natural schooling behavior.
• Use dark background and substrate to highlight their colors.
• Maintain stable, clean water conditions.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid keeping alone — they become shy and lose color.
• Don’t mix with fin-nipping species.
• Avoid bright, harsh lighting.

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Congo Tetra is one of the most beautiful freshwater schooling fish, admired for its rainbow-like sheen and graceful movements. A perfect showpiece for community aquariums with gentle companions.