The Congo Tetra: A Vibrant Addition to Your Aquarium
The Congo tetra, often hailed as the African counterpart to South America’s colorful tetras, originates from the Congo River region in Africa. This shimmering fish, adorned with all the colors of the rainbow, captivates enthusiasts with its extravagant courtship displays performed by both males and females. Schools of Congo tetras are a stunning sight, whether kept in a tank of their own or alongside other peaceful species.
With proper care and an adequately sized aquarium, these fish can thrive and make excellent pets. Below, learn everything you need to know about keeping Congo tetras in your home aquarium.
Species Overview
- Common Name: Congo tetra
- Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
- Adult Size: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 3 to 5 years
Characteristics:
- Family: Alestidae
- Origin: Congo River Basin
- Social: Peaceful schooling fish
- Tank Level: All levels
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Diet: Omnivores
- Breeding: Egg layer
- Care Level: Moderate
- pH: 6.0 to 7.5
- Hardness: 3 to 18 dGH
- Temperature: 73.0 to 82.0 °F (22.8 to 27.8 °C)
Origin and Distribution
Congo tetras are native to the Congo River Basin, inhabiting streams, tributaries, pools, and marshes with slightly acidic, murky water. These fish favor areas with abundant vegetation and substrates of sand, silt, and mud. In the wild, they form large schools and feed on worms, crustaceans, insects, algae, and plant matter.
First discovered in 1949, Congo tetras gained popularity as aquarium fish during the 1960s. By the 1970s, Florida fish farmers developed a breeding line, ensuring these fish would display the vivid colors and flowing fins characteristic of their wild counterparts.
Colors and Markings
Congo tetras have elongated, flat bodies with large, iridescent scales. Their dazzling rainbow hues—blue on top, red and gold in the middle, and blue on the belly—make them a visual treat. Males stand out with their long, flowing violet fins edged in white and an elongated middle section on their tail fins. While females are slightly less vibrant, their golden tones accented with silver and green add to the species’ overall allure.
Tankmates
Congo tetras thrive in peaceful, community tanks. A group of at least six of the same species is essential for their well-being, as they can become anxious without a school.
Ideal Tankmates:
- Neon and Cardinal tetras
- Rainbowfish
- Corydoras catfish
- Mollies, Guppies, and Platies
- Harlequin rasboras
- Swordtails
- Celestial pearl danios
- Dwarf cichlids
Avoid:
Aggressive species or fin-nippers like tiger barbs, as they may damage the Congo tetras' delicate fins.
Habitat and Care
A 30-gallon aquarium is the minimum requirement for a school of six to eight Congo tetras. For larger schools or mixed-species tanks, opt for a 55-gallon aquarium. Maintain water quality with careful filtration, as poor conditions can lead to faded colors and damaged fins.
Congo tetras prefer:
- Still, soft, peat-filtered water with low light levels.
- Dim lighting and floating plants to mimic their natural habitat.
- Dark substrates and bottom-growing plants for grazing.
Diet and Feeding
Congo tetras are omnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, algae, and plant matter in the wild. In aquariums, they thrive on a varied diet, including:
- Live, frozen, and flake foods
- Brine shrimp and bloodworms
Feed small amounts several times a day. If the fish are hesitant to eat, try using a floating feeding ring to keep the food accessible.
Gender Differences
Male Congo tetras are larger, more colorful, and have elaborate fins, including a centrally extended caudal fin. Females, though less striking, are distinguished by their golden hues with silver and green accents.
Breeding Congo Tetras
Breeding Congo tetras requires a larger tank due to their size and the large number of eggs they produce. A 15- to 20-gallon tank with the following conditions is recommended:
- Substrate: 1 inch of boiled peat moss.
- Water: Soft, acidic water from reverse osmosis or rainwater.
- Plants: Java moss, breeding mops, or fine-leaved plants.
- Temperature: A steady 77 °F.
- Lighting: Complete darkness for at least 8 hours to stimulate spawning.
Spawning Process:
- Introduce a conditioned pair into the breeding tank before lights out.
- Spawning typically occurs the next morning. Eggs fall into the peat moss substrate.
- Remove the breeders post-spawning to protect the eggs.
Eggs hatch in 5 to 8 days. Once the fry emerge, they are free-swimming and ready to eat infusoria, progressing to baby brine shrimp and powdered food within weeks. Fry grow rapidly, reaching 2 inches and showing color within three months.
