Congo Tetra is a freshwater fish with the scientific name Phenacogrammus interruptus.
It belongs to the African tetra family and lives in the central part of the Congo River Basin in Africa. Many people like to have this fish in their aquariums.
Congo Tetras are peaceful. However, they can scare shy species due to their big size and active swimming. But they’re still good for most community tanks.
Congo Tetras eat worms, small insects, crustaceans, and plants.
When keeping them in an aquarium, it’s best to have a group of at least 5 fish, and the tank should be at least 100 cm long.
Also, avoid fin-nipping species housing with Congo Tetras since their beautiful fins can get damaged.
Congo Tetra Interesting Facts
- Congo Tetras, or Phenacogrammus interruptus, are popular aquarium fish originating from the Congo River Basin in Africa.
- These fish are active swimmers and grow up to 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters) for males and 2.4 inches (6.0 centimeters) for females, making them suitable for most community tanks.
- Avoid pairing Congo tetras with fin-nipping species to protect their beautiful fins from damage.
- In an aquarium setting, they prefer groups of at least 5 and lay around 300 eggs that hatch into baby fish after about 6 days.
Congo Tetra Habitat
Congo Tetra is found in the lower and middle parts of the Congo River basin in Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo.
It lives in freshwater environments and prefers to swim near the bottom (benthopelagic).
This fish can adapt to different water conditions, with a pH range between 6.0 to 8.0, a hardness range from 5 to 19 dH, and a temperature range from 73°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C).
| Water Temperature: | 73°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Congo Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters)
Congo Tetra is a medium-sized fish.
Males grow up to 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters) long, while females reach a maximum length of 2.4 inches (6.0 centimeters).
Congo Tetra Reproduction
Congo Tetra lays eggs to reproduce. In an aquarium, the male fish chases the female energetically.
Then, the female lays about 300 eggs or even more, which fall to the bottom of the tank. After around 6 days, these eggs hatch into baby fish.
Congo Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Alestidae |
| Genus: | Phenacogrammus |
| Scientific Name: | Phenacogrammus interruptus |
| Also Known As: | Congo Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |