The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus Interruptus) is a beautiful freshwater fish that is known for its colorful and iridescent scales, making it a striking addition to any aquarium. In this article, we will discuss the Congo Tetra’s size and appearance, region, behavior, diet, and how to keep them at home.
Appearance
The Congo Tetra is a medium-sized fish that can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. It has an elongated, slightly curved body with large fins. The males are more colorful than the females, with a bright, iridescent blue/ silver body and an orange stripe across the upper part of the body front to back. The females are less vibrant, with a silver-gray body and pale fins.
Region
The Congo Tetra is native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, where it can be found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forests.
Behavior
The Congo Tetra is a peaceful fish that can be kept in a community aquarium with other non-aggressive fish. It is a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. These fish are active swimmers and need plenty of swimming space in their aquarium. The bigger the group the better, keeping in mind the total size of the aquarium off course. But a large group of healthy, vibrant Congo Tetras is a sight to behold in its sheer beauty.
Diet
In the wild, the Congo Tetra is an omnivore and feeds on small insects, crustaceans, and plants. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet of flake or pellet food, supplemented with frozen or live food such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. It is essential to ensure that they receive a balanced diet to maintain their health and coloration. Keep them well fed so they do not eat your aquarium plants.
Keeping a Congo Tetra at home
The Congo Tetra is a hardy fish that can adapt well to a wide range of water conditions. The ideal tank size for a school of six Congo Tetras is at least 100 liters (26 gallons). The aquarium should be planted, with plenty of swimming space and hiding places. The water temperature should be kept between 24-28 °C (75-82 °F), with a pH level of 6.0-7.5 and a GH of 4 to 12.
| Scientific name | Phenacogrammus Interruptus |
| Type of aquarium | Community aquarium |
| Size | 7-10 cm (2.8-4 inches) for males, 5-7 cm (2-2.8 inches) for females |
| Region | Central Africa, specifically in the Congo Basin |
| Ideal tank size | 100 liters (26 gallons) for a group of 5-6 individuals |
| Ideal water temperature | 24-28 °C / 75-82 °F |
| pH | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| GH | 4 – 12 |
| Diet | Omnivorous, with a preference for live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small insects; can also be fed high-quality flakes and pellets. |
| Life span | Up to 5 years in captivity. |
| Schooling | Best kept in groups of 5-6 individuals to prevent aggression and encourage natural behavior. |
