Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 10 cm. It needs at least 120 litres and 8 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Température de l’eau
24 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Milieu
Taille adulte
10 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 120 L
Groupe minimal
>= 8
GH
5 - 15 dGH
KH
2 - 7 dKH
TDS
95 - 295 ppm
Conductivité
148 - 461 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Phenacogrammus interruptus; the verified classification records genus Phenacogrammus, family Alestidae, order Characiformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Congo Tetra is gregarious and should be kept in a school. The minimum reference is 8 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Congo Tetra needs an aquarium of at least 120 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 8 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally active temperament. Keep at least 8 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origine et répartition géographiques
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origine
Afrique et Madagascar
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Active
- Congo Tetra has a generally active temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- Congo tetras are omnivorous and require a diverse diet to support their growth and maintain their stunning iridescent colors. They readily consume high-quality flake and pellet foods designed for community fish. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp is crucial for conditioning and overall vitality. Incorporating some plant-based matter or vegetable flakes will also help replicate their varied natural diet.
- Espérance de vie
- 4-8 years
- Taille adulte
- 10 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- School
- Congo Tetra is gregarious and should be kept in a school. The reference minimum is 8 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- These active swimmers should be fed one to two times daily with amounts they can entirely consume within a few minutes. Their energetic nature means they have a healthy appetite, but overfeeding can quickly degrade water quality. It is important to distribute the food evenly across the water surface to ensure all individuals in the school get their fair share. Fasting them for one day a week can promote good digestion and prevent bloating issues.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- Congo tetras have a moderate bioload due to their active nature and schooling behavior. As they are best kept in groups of at least six individuals, their collective waste production can be significant. A robust filtration system and regular partial water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels low and maintain pristine water quality. Their active metabolism demands efficient biological and mechanical filtration to ensure a healthy environment.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- Originating from the Congo River basin, they appreciate moderate to moderately strong water flow in the aquarium. The current should provide enough movement to stimulate their natural schooling behavior and keep the water highly oxygenated. While they enjoy swimming against a steady flow, they also require densely planted areas where the water is calmer for resting. A balanced flow dynamic is key to keeping these fish healthy and displaying their best behaviors.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Congo tetras are easily spooked and possess a surprisingly strong jumping ability, especially when first introduced to a new environment. Sudden changes in lighting, loud noises, or aggressive tank mates can trigger a rapid flight response resulting in a jump. An aquarium with a tight-fitting hood or a securely fastened cover glass is absolutely necessary. Floating plants can also help diffuse lighting and provide a sense of security, reducing the likelihood of them jumping.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Congo tetras is possible but challenging, requiring a dedicated breeding tank with soft, acidic water and subdued lighting. They are egg scatterers and do not exhibit any parental care, often eating their own eggs if given the chance. A layer of marbles or a breeding mesh at the bottom of the tank is necessary to protect the eggs from the adults. The fry are quite small and require infusoria or finely powdered foods immediately after absorbing their yolk sacs.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Community
- The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally active temperament. Keep at least 8 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle
- Congo tetras are classic mid-water swimmers, occupying the middle to upper levels of the aquarium water column. They are incredibly active and require a long tank with plenty of open swimming space to accommodate their energetic schooling. While they appreciate the cover of tall plants along the back and sides, they avoid dense vegetation that restricts their movement. Their constant activity adds dynamic movement and a brilliant flash of color to the center of the aquarium display.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3 ± 0,33 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.502
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01072, b = 3.02
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
Galerie d'images
Images sous licence liées à l'espèce ou, lorsqu'elles sont indiquées, au taxon représentatif le plus proche.
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