Congo Tetra - Phenacogrammus interruptus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is celebrated for its captivating blend of vibrancy and liveliness, earning it widespread acclaim among aquarium enthusiasts. Renowned for their striking and distinct colours, these fish hold appeal for aquarists of all skill levels. Notably, Congo Tetras display a remarkable sexual dimorphism: males boast elongated, flowing fins and a striking greyish-violet hue, while females exhibit a captivating golden-yellow tone complemented by hints of blue.
Harmonious tankmates for these tranquil Tetras include other non-aggressive species such as Dwarf Barbs, Cichlids, Rainbowfish, Loaches, and Corydoras Catfish. In their native habitat, Congo Tetras exhibit schooling behaviour in sizable groups, underscoring the importance of maintaining them in groups of at least six to preserve their natural tendencies.
Given their timid disposition and susceptibility to stress, creating an environment abundant with hiding places and generous swimming space is essential for the well-being of Congo Tetras. To showcase their vibrant colours to full effect, it is imperative to replicate their natural habitat in the aquarium setting, featuring ample plant life, hiding spots, soft, acidic water, and robust water circulation.
In summary, the Congo Tetra stands as a remarkable and serene inhabitant of the aquarium, infusing vibrant hues and dynamic activity. Their straightforward care requirements render them an excellent choice for fish enthusiasts of any level of expertise. With attentive care, these captivating Tetras will flourish and provide endless delight to their caregivers.
1 Congo Tetra variant
Below is a list of Variant/Colour Morphs of the Congo Tetra
Congo Tetra Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the gender of Congo Tetras is straightforward due to their distinct physical traits. Male Congo Tetras usually display a more vibrant colour palette, and they are generally larger than their female counterparts. Their dorsal and caudal fins are notably elongated, featuring striking white edges.
Conversely, female Congo Tetras exhibit a subtler colouration. They generally display a golden hue with a slight silverish-green undertone, and their size is typically smaller compared to the males. Furthermore, the females' fins are less ornate, presenting a clear distinction from the more extravagant finnage of the males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Phenacogrammus interruptus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1899 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Characiformes |
| Family | Alestidae |
| Genus | Phenacogrammus |
| Origins | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Max Size | 8.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.2 - 7.2 |
| GH | 4 -18 |
| KH | 4 - 8 |
| TDS | 150 - 250 |
| ℉ | 75 - 81 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The unique and captivating Congo Tetras hail exclusively from the upper regions of the River Congo, situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Their natural dwelling places are characterized by slow-moving and shaded water bodies such as rivers, streams, pools, and marshes. They exhibit a preference for murky, slightly acidic waters with dark substrates composed of sand, silt, and mud, in conjunction with aquatic plant life.
Interestingly, unlike many aquatic species, Congo Tetras do not favour habitats abundant with rocks or tree branches. This distinctive preference makes them a fascinating addition to any fish collection. As a fish enthusiast, introducing Congo Tetras into your aquarium is guaranteed to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Breeding
Breeding Congo Tetras presents an intriguing challenge due to their seasonally-dependent spawning habits. Convincing a pair to spawn in captivity requires careful planning and conditions. Yet, with a suitable setup and optimal environment, successful breeding is achievable.
The first step is to create an encouraging environment. This involves a large aquarium filled with peat-filtered water under brightly lit conditions. Introducing substantial amounts of moss or a similar substrate is crucial as it serves as the spawning ground where the female lays her eggs.
The breeding process involves a fascinating dance by the male to woo the female. Once captivated, the female proceeds to deposit her eggs among the moss. Following the breeding, it is essential to separate the adults from the eggs because Congo Tetras have a propensity to eat their offspring.
Approximately a week post-spawning, you can expect the arrival of tiny fry emerging from the eggs. For their initial nutrition, they should be provided with infusoria for several days. About a week later, their diet can be broadened to include baby brine shrimp and microworm. By the time they reach two weeks of age, the fry should be sufficiently large to ingest powdered fish food.
Diet & Feeding
Preserving the bright and vibrant hues of Congo Tetras requires a nutritional diet fed in ample amounts several times a day. They are amenable to a variety of food types, including live, frozen, and freeze-dried options. Examples of their preferred food include dried worms, bloodworms, daphnia, and green vegetables.
A well-rounded diet is fundamental for their overall health and colouration maintenance. It should encompass high-quality dried food like pellets, granules, and flakes, which provide essential nutrients to keep them in optimal health.
Nevertheless, diet plays a significant role in their behaviour towards their environment. In the absence of adequate plant-based nutrition, Congo Tetras might resort to nibbling on decorative soft plants in the aquarium, which could cause potential damage. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet that incorporates an appropriate quantity of plant matter is crucial in preventing any undesired impact on the aquarium plants.
Frequently asked questions
9 tank mate ideas for the Congo Tetra
Looking for some awesome tank mate ideas for your Congo Tetra? Look no further! Here are 9 of the most captivating & fascinating options that will liven up your aquarium!
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