Bring a flash of iridescent brilliance to your home aquarium with the Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus). Renowned for their shimmering rainbow scales and elegant, trailing fins, these active schooling fish are a breathtaking centerpiece for any freshwater planted tank. Whether you are an experienced hobbyist or transitioning to intermediate fishkeeping, the Congo Tetra is a rewarding and dynamic addition to a peaceful community aquarium.

Place of Origin

As their name suggests, Congo Tetras are native to the highly oxygenated, fast-flowing rivers and streams of the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. Wild populations thrive in acidic, dark waters heavily shaded by rainforest canopies, which is why providing a simulated natural habitat brings out their most spectacular violet, blue, and gold-orange colors.

Care Level & Environment

• Care Level: Moderate. They are sensitive to poor water quality, making regular water changes and excellent filtration a must.

• Water Conditions: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water.

  • Temperature: 75°F - 81°F (24°C - 27°C)

  • pH: 6.0 - 7.5

  • Hardness: 3 - 18 dGH

• Aquarium Setup: The ideal Congo Tetra environment is a planted aquarium with a dark substrate and floating plants to diffuse harsh lighting. While they appreciate dense vegetation along the back and sides to retreat into, they require plenty of open swimming space in the middle of the tank. Moderate water flow will mimic their natural riverine habitat.

Tank Size

Congo Tetras are active, fast swimmers and can grow up to 3 to 3.5 inches in length. Because they are a schooling species that must be kept in groups of at least 6 to 8 individuals, a minimum tank size of 30 gallons is required, though a 55-gallon aquarium is highly recommended to give them the swimming room they need to truly thrive.

Diet & Feeding

Phenacogrammus interruptus is a true omnivore with a hearty appetite. In the wild, they feed on insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In the home aquarium, they easily accept a varied diet:

• Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or color-enhancing tropical flakes.

• Treats/Supplements: Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp will encourage optimal health and vibrant coloration.

• Note: They may occasionally nibble on soft-leaved plants if they aren't getting enough vegetable matter in their diet, so an occasional algae wafer or blanched vegetable can be beneficial.

Tank Mates

These tetras are peaceful community fish, but their large size and active nature can intimidate very small or shy tank mates. Furthermore, the males possess gorgeous, flowing fin extensions that can easily become targets for fin-nipping fish.

• Ideal Tank Mates: Rainbowfish, Corydoras catfish, peaceful bottom-dwelling loaches, standard plecos, and peaceful dwarf cichlids (such as Kribensis or Apistogramma).

• Avoid: Fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs or Serpae Tetras, and large, aggressive cichlids that might view the Congo Tetra as a snack.

Breeding Congo Tetras

Breeding Congo Tetras is a rewarding challenge for intermediate aquarists. They are egg-scatterers and exhibit no parental care.

1. The Breeding Tank: Set up a separate, dimly lit breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH around 6.0 - 6.5) and a layer of fine-leaved plants like Java Moss or a spawning mop.

2. Conditioning: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live and frozen foods.

3. Spawning: Once the female is plump with eggs, spawning usually occurs early in the morning, triggered by the first rays of light. The female will scatter up to 300 eggs among the plants.

4. Post-Spawning Care: Remove the adult fish immediately after spawning, as they will eat the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about 6 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept baby brine shrimp.

Order your Congo Tetras today and elevate your freshwater aquarium with one of the most magnificent schooling fish in the hobby!

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• The photos shown on fish product pages are representations of adult fish and are NOT the actual fish that you will be receiving. 
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