Congo Tetra – Phenacogrammus interruptus

The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is one of the most beautiful freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its shimmering rainbow coloration, larger size, and flowing fins, this peaceful tetra makes a stunning centerpiece group for planted aquariums and larger community tanks.

Congo Tetras add elegance, color, and graceful movement to freshwater setups. Their iridescent blue, gold, orange, and violet tones become especially eye-catching under aquarium lighting, making them a favorite for aquarists who want a premium schooling fish with showpiece appeal.

Key Features

• Iridescent rainbow coloration
• Larger tetra species with strong visual impact
• Flowing fins, especially on mature males
• Peaceful schooling fish for larger community aquariums
• Excellent for planted tanks and aquascapes
• Best kept in groups of 6 or more

Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
• Common Name: Congo Tetra
• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: Approximately 3–3.5 inches
• Size at Sale: Approximately 1–2 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons or larger recommended
• Water Temperature: 74–80°F
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Diet: Omnivore

Why Choose Congo Tetras?

Congo Tetras are prized for their size, color, and graceful swimming style. Unlike many smaller tetras, they have a bold presence in the aquarium while still remaining peaceful enough for well-planned community tanks.

A group of Congo Tetras creates a beautiful display as they move together through open swimming areas. Their rainbow sheen and flowing fins look especially impressive in planted aquariums with darker backgrounds, driftwood, and open space.

Ideal Tank Setup

Congo Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space, live plants, and gentle to moderate filtration. Because they are larger and active swimmers, they should be kept in a spacious aquarium rather than a small nano tank.

Live plants, driftwood, floating plants, and darker substrate can help them feel secure while enhancing their coloration. Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best confidence, schooling behavior, and long-term health.

Compatible Tankmates

• Other larger peaceful tetras
• Rainbowfish
• Corydoras catfish
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids with caution
• Small peaceful gouramis
• Otocinclus
• Peaceful livebearers
• Snails

Tankmates to Avoid

• Fin-nipping fish
• Aggressive cichlids
• Very small nano fish that may be intimidated
• Large predatory fish
• Fish that prefer very different water conditions

Diet & Feeding

Congo Tetras are omnivores and do best with a varied diet. Offer quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized frozen or prepared foods.

A varied diet helps support their color, growth, activity, and fin development. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.

Care Tips

• Keep in groups of 6 or more
• Provide a larger aquarium with open swimming space
• Use peaceful tankmates that will not nip fins
• Add live plants and driftwood for comfort
• Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
• Feed a varied diet with quality pellets, flakes, and frozen foods

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Congo Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Congo Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in larger community aquariums with calm, compatible tankmates.

How many Congo Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.

How big do Congo Tetras get?
Congo Tetras typically reach approximately 3–3.5 inches as adults, making them larger than many common tetra species.

Are Congo Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. Congo Tetras are excellent for planted aquariums, especially larger tanks with open swimming space and areas of cover.

What do Congo Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for color and overall health.

Can Congo Tetras live with rainbowfish?
Yes. Congo Tetras can do well with peaceful rainbowfish in a properly sized aquarium with stable water conditions.

Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Congo Tetras are colorful, larger schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and peaceful freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, rainbowfish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.

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