• Name:

    Congo Tetra

    (View AKA's)
  • Family: Alestidae
  • Species: Tetras
  • Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
More Details

Also Know As:

| African Tetra

General info about Congo Tetra

The Congo Tetra is a popular freshwater fish species among aquarium hobbyists. They are native to the Congo River Basin in Africa and have a distinctive and vibrant coloration. The males are known for their long and flowing fins, while the females have shorter and rounder fins. Adult Congo Tetras can grow up to 3-4 inches in length and require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons.

Congo Tetra Diet & Nutrition

Congo Tetras are omnivores and their diet should consist of a varied mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They will also appreciate some vegetable matter in their diet, such as blanched spinach or peas.

Determining Sex of Congo Tetra

Males have longer and more colorful fins, especially the anal fin, and are generally larger than females. Females have a more rounded belly.

Breeding & Spawning Congo Tetra

Breeding Congo Tetras can be challenging, as they require specific water conditions and live foods to trigger spawning. A breeding tank with soft, acidic water and a temperature around 78-82°F should be set up. The female can lay up to 300 eggs, which should hatch in about 24-36 hours. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed on a diet of infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Common Diseases with Congo Tetra

Congo Tetras can be susceptible to common fish diseases, such as ich or fin rot, especially if the water quality is poor. It is important to maintain good water quality and provide a healthy and varied diet to help prevent diseases.

Congo Tetra Origin

Congo Tetras are native to the Congo River Basin in Africa.

Caution with Congo Tetra

Congo Tetras can be fin nippers, especially towards slow-moving or long-finned tankmates. They should be kept with other peaceful species that can tolerate their active and sometimes aggressive behavior.

Acclimating Congo Tetra

When introducing Congo Tetras to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to prevent shock. Float the bag in the aquarium water for 10-15 minutes to allow the temperature to adjust, then open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water every 10 minutes for an hour before releasing the fish.
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Original Detail

Name Species Family Scientific Name More Detail Added by
Congo Tetra Tetras Alestidae Phenacogrammus interruptus The Congo Tetra is a popular freshwater fish species among aquarium hobbyists. They are native to the Congo River Basin in Africa and have a distinctive and vibrant coloration. The males are known for their long and flowing fins, while the females have shorter and rounder fins. Adult Congo Tetras can grow up to 3-4 inches in length and require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons. PalaciosAn

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