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Freshwater   Fishes

Congo Tetra
(Phenacogrammus interruptus)

Congo Tetra

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Alestopetersius interruptus
Hemigrammalestes interruptus
Micralestes interruptus
Petersius codalus

Common name
Congo Tetra
Kongosalmler (DE)

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Congo
Biotope: African

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

Males are larger than females, more colourful and have more developed fins.

Group

Group

Alestidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

200 L / 44 imp gal / 53 US gal

Parameters

what is the minimum volume for this species?

T°: 23 to 27°C or 73 to 81°F
pH: 5.8 to 7.4
Hardness: 5 to 10°dGH

Difficulty

difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

8 cm (3.2 inches)

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

7 to 10 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle

Individuals

sociability of the species

6

Food

How to feed the Congo Tetra?

Food

How to feed the Congo Tetra?

The Congo tetra is an omnivorous fish, it will eat all forms of food but with a preference for insects. If you want to improve its colour, vary its diet and prefer live or frozen prey.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Congo Tetra have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Congo Tetra have?

Phenacogrammus interruptus

The Congo Tetra is sociable and lively. Paradoxically, it can also be easily scared and be shy and timid (especially if it is kept in a too small group).

Like all species of the kind, it has a developed gregarious instinct and must live in a group. Have at least 6 Congo tetras. If it feels good in its aquarium and that it evolves with enough of its congeners, it will thank you with its spectacular and sublime coloration.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Congo Tetra?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Congo Tetra?

Pacific, you can keep it in a community aquarium. However, it must not be associated with aggressive fish. Watch out for some species that might nibble the beautiful fins of the males (Barbs or Danio Rerio for example). Finally, its quickness and swift swimming can intimidate calmer fish.

Due to its large size, it can coexist with large cichlids without risk of being eaten. You can also easily associate other Tetras, Loricariidae, Synodontis and various peaceful cichlids such as Pelvicachromis sp. or Cleithraca.

Breeding

How to breed the Congo Tetra?

Breeding

How to breed the Congo Tetra?

Even if the breeding of the Congo Tetra is feasible, it remains quite difficult.

The spawning will be done in couple or in group. Place in a spawning tank (100 L / 22 imp gal / 26 US gal) equipped with a protective grid and a few plants, a couple or a group of 2 males for 4 females. Sunlight will be a plus (it seems that strong light encourages spawning). Temperature 26°C or 79°F and pH at 6.5. Females are very prolific and can breed up to 400 youngsters each over several days. The incubation lasts 6 days.

Fry food: infusoria, young artemia nauplies (very small) and cyclops.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Congo Tetra?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Congo Tetra?

In order to feel as safe as possible in its aquarium, choose a dark floor and decorated with peat bog roots. To complete the set, fix Anubias on your roots. Fill in your vegetation with floating plants and large plants in the background, such as those in the Vallisneria kind, which will offer a reassuring shade. Do not forget to leave enough room to not interfere with the swimming of your fish.

The Congo Tetra is an excellent jumper so imperatively cover your aquarium.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

The Congo Tetra is very sensitive to nitrites, nitrates and ammonia. It is therefore essential to maintain an irreproachable quality of water by renewing it regularly. In fact, low quality and poorly maintained water alters the development of male fins.

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