The Congo tetra, or Phenacogrammus interruptus in scientific parlance, is a colorful and eye-catching freshwater fish that adds a pop of color to any aquarium. This species, which comes from Africa’s Congo River basin, is prized by aquarium enthusiasts for its serene disposition and shimmering scales.
As they swim gracefully in groups, Congo tetras produce an amazing visual display with their shimmering blue, green, and orange colors. They are a great addition to community tanks, where they live in harmony with other peaceful fish species because of their calm nature.
Because they are easy to care for, Congo tetras are a popular option for both novice and seasoned aquarium hobbyists. Their natural beauty can be fully appreciated in well-planted aquariums with ample swimming space, where they flourish.
- Habitat and habitat
- Description
- Size:
- Behavior and compatibility
- Aquarium
- Water parameters:
- Nutrition
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Breeding
- Video on the topic
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Habitat and habitat
Presented throughout Africa. A portion of the rivers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Congo basin are home to endemic wild populations.
These fish prefer "black" water and live in small schools.
The majority of fish traded are entertained for sale in Eastern Europe and Asia.
Description
The fish’s body is long and flat on its sides. When the animal moves, the fins spread out on the sides of the body like lush fans.
It exhibits a stunning color that shimmers in the water in the aquarium. Shades of blue, reddish-orange, and golden-yellow are used to symbolize it. The fins are translucent, with shades of gray-violet, and have more subdued tones.
When the Congo tetra reaches adulthood, its rainbow-colored stripes run through the fish from front to back. They begin blue on top, change to red in the middle, then to yellow-gold, and finally return to blue just above the belly.
An albino form is also available.
Size:
They fit the definition of medium-sized fish. In the case of males, adults can grow to a length of 8–10 cm. Females typically measure around 6 centimeters shorter than males.
Behavior and compatibility
This is a schooling aquarium fish that is incredibly beautiful, lively, calm, and serene. They should be kept in large aquariums because they require a lot of room to swim in. It’s also crucial that the aquarium’s lighting be soft. Particularly when there are other hostile species in the aquarium, these fish can be very reticent and private. Abrupt movements and loud noises can frighten them.
Though it is advised for the majority of community aquariums, bear the following in mind:
Additionally, they are fairly timid fish, especially if they are not housed in a school; keeping six or more of them is advised. It’s also critical that fish of comparable sizes surround them. Corydoras, rainbowfish, and other tranquil cichlids will make great neighbors. The magnificent fins of male fish will simply be destroyed if they are kept with hostile fish or fish that can nip fins. The larger size and more active behavior of this tetra will make small fish in a community aquarium feel uneasy.
Not appropriate for shared upkeep with shrimp.
Aquarium
A group of adult fish should have an aquarium measuring 120 by 30 by 30 cm; smaller aquariums can be used for keeping younger fish.
They do best in an aquarium that is at least 100 liters if they are kept in small groups, about six individuals. Dark soil and muted lighting in the aquarium will make the fish less bashful. By adding plants to the aquarium that float on the water’s surface, one can create this kind of light.
An aquarium featuring an African biotope, complete with driftwood, branches, floating plants, and anubias, is ideal. With enough room to swim, any well-equipped aquarium will display their vibrant colors to you. The water should have good circulation, be neutral or soft, and lean toward acidity.
Water parameters:
In the range of 23 to 28°C pH range: 6.0 to 7.5 Intensity: 3–18° dGH
A weekly average of 20–25% water changes.
Extremely sensitive to water quality; if it is not kept in good condition, the fish may lose color and experience disruptions in the development of their male fins.
Nutrition
They mostly eat insects, crustaceans, and different kinds of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the wild.
They eat everything. a generally unassuming species that will eat most foods; however, a significant portion of their diet should consist of live and frozen foods.
Plant-based foods must also be a part of their diet. Without them, the fish have the potential to harm the aquarium’s fragile plants.
Popular in community aquariums, the Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a peaceful and colorful freshwater fish with flowing fins and shimmering, iridescent scales.
Sexual Dimorphism
The male has far brighter colors and is larger.
The dorsal and anal fins, as well as the long, veil-like processes on the tail, are additional characteristics that set males apart. The male also has a three-lobed tail, with the middle lobe projecting somewhat forward.
When these fish reach the age of around 10 months, they can begin to reproduce.
Breeding
Although it is difficult for them to reproduce, it is possible that they are an egg-laying species.
Larger females and lively, brightly colored males are chosen for production; these animals were previously fed heavily on frozen and live food.
Spawning tank, small, netted at the bottom. By passing through the mesh, the eggs reduce the possibility of being devoured by the parents. Since spawning naturally takes place among vegetation, spawning can be encouraged by adding plants and reducing lighting. The water should be soft and have a pH below neutral.
In the spawning tank, the water’s parameters are 25–28 °C, 2-3 °dH, and 6.0–6.5 °P.
After the male pursues the female, spawning takes place. A single female can spawn up to 300 large eggs during spawning, though 100–200 is more typical.
Using a long pipette, remove unfertilized and whitened eggs during the first 24-48 hours of incubation. After the larvae hatch in roughly six days, infusoria should be provided, followed by Artemia nauplii or other microfood after about twenty-four hours, during which time they should swim and the yolk sacs disappear.
Fish can be placed for spawning in groups at the same time. In this instance, having a larger spawning aquarium is crucial.
In ideal circumstances, an aquarium’s life expectancy is typically five years.
A colorful and captivating addition to any freshwater aquarium is the Congo tetra. It infuses your home with a hint of the wild African rivers with its shimmering scales and graceful movements.
Because Congo tetras are easy to care for, aquarists of all skill levels can successfully keep them. They will remain healthy and vibrant if you give them a balanced diet, stable water conditions, and a well-planted tank.
A school of Congo tetras swimming together can bring vibrancy and color to your aquarium, making for a captivating sight. Any aquatic setup is sure to be enhanced by these serene fish.
