Congo Tetra

Congo Tetra | Phenacogrammus interruptus: An Iridescent Schooling Fish for Larger Aquariums

Native to the Congo River basin in Africa, the Congo Tetra is an active, social fish known for its colourful, iridescent appearance. Males are particularly eye-catching, with elongated fins and shimmering colours. Adults reach around 6–9 cm, so this species needs ample swimming room in a larger aquarium.

Keep a group of 7–8 Congo Tetras in an aquarium of at least 200 litres. Provide open swimming space as well as dense vegetation where the fish can retreat. Dark substrate, roots and plants help create a suitable aquarium setting. Congo Tetras are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. Breeding is relatively easy when suitable conditions are provided.

Specifications: Congo Tetra | Phenacogrammus interruptus

• Common name: Congo Tetra

• Scientific name: Phenacogrammus interruptus

• Origin: Congo River basin, Africa

• Adult size: approximately 6–9 cm

• Temperament and behaviour: Active, social schooling fish

• Male features: Elongated fins and iridescent colours

• Minimum aquarium size: 200 litres

• Group and stocking guidance: 7–8 fish in a 200-litre aquarium

• Temperature: 22–27°C

• pH: 6–7.2

• Water hardness: 4–18 NK°

• Diet: Omnivorous; offer a varied diet

• Breeding: Relatively easy when suitable conditions are provided

• Expected lifespan: Approximately 5 years

• SKU: 888190

How to Keep Congo Tetras

1. Set up an aquarium of at least 200 litres with ample open swimming space.

2. Keep a school of around 7–8 fish, following the source's stocking guidance.

3. Provide dense vegetation for cover, with roots and a dark substrate in the aquarium.

4. Maintain the water temperature between 22–27°C, pH between 6–7.2 and hardness between 4–18 NK°.

5. Feed a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous fish and choose compatible tankmates.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Give the school plenty of room to swim; adult Congo Tetras grow to around 6–9 cm.

• Include both open swimming areas and dense planting for shelter.

• Use roots and dark substrate as part of the aquarium layout.

• Keep water conditions within the recommended temperature, pH and hardness ranges.

• Offer a varied omnivorous diet.

• Breeding is relatively easy when the aquarium provides suitable conditions.