The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a large, peaceful freshwater fish famous for its metallic iridescent body, flowing fins, and vibrant coloration that reflects shades of blue, green, and red. It is an active schooling fish that adds elegance to larger community aquariums.
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The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a large, peaceful freshwater fish famous for its metallic iridescent body, flowing fins, and vibrant coloration that reflects shades of blue, green, and red. It is an active schooling fish that adds elegance to larger community aquariums.
Oval, laterally compressed body with metallic blue-green and red reflections. Fins are elongated and flowing, especially the caudal and dorsal fins, with a purplish tint. Adults can reach 3–3.5 inches (7–9 cm).
5–8 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, pellets, and enjoys live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and micro-worms.
The Congo Tetra is a striking addition to medium-to-large community aquariums. Its flowing fins, metallic body, and peaceful schooling behavior make it an elegant centerpiece for aquarists looking for visually captivating fish.
Moderate — requires stable water conditions and adequate tank size for schooling and swimming.
30 gallons (for a school of 6–8+)
6.0 to 7.5
3–15 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C)
3–3.5 inches (7–9 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, larger corydoras, dwarf gouramis, peaceful rainbowfish, and snails/shrimp.
Avoid aggressive or very small fish that may be bullied or eaten. Large cichlids and fin-nippers are not suitable tank mates.
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Alestidae
Congo River Basin, Africa
Highly social schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6–10 or more for natural behavior.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a balanced diet of flakes or pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods to maintain color vibrancy and health.
Egg scatterer. Spawns in fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults should be removed after spawning as they may eat the eggs.
Use a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.8, temperature 77–82°F / 25–28°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming in about 5 days. Feed fry with infusoria initially, then transition to baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C), Hardness: 3–15 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich and fin rot if water quality is poor. Stress from overcrowding or aggressive tank mates can lead to illness.
Peaceful, social schooling fish
Peaceful but active. Exhibits schooling behavior in mid- to upper-level tank areas. Enjoys planted environments with moderate swimming space and hiding spots.
Native to the Congo River Basin in Africa, the Congo Tetra is admired for its striking iridescent body and long, flowing fins. It is best kept in schools of at least 6–10 individuals to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. These tetras thrive in planted aquariums with moderate lighting and open swimming spaces. Their large size, peaceful nature, and captivating coloration make them an excellent centerpiece for community tanks.