Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Also known as Congo
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A large, shimmering African tetra whose males grow flowing, feathered fins. It is peaceful but very active, so it can unsettle tiny, shy species. Give it a long tank, a mixed-sex group and calm companions, and it becomes a true centerpiece school for a larger community.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 29 US gal
- Footprint
- 47 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 73–82 °F
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 3–18 dGH
- Swim zone
- Mid-Water
- Min group
- 6 fish
- Lifespan
- 5–6 years
Congo Tetra care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 6 fish so they feel secure.
- Never house it with fin nippers. The males' spectacular fins are quickly ruined.
- Plan for a long tank, because this large, active fish needs real swimming space.
- Avoid tiny or very shy tank mates, which its size and speed can frighten.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 29 US gallons.
Congo Tetra tank mates and swim zone
Mid-Water
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Poecilia reticulata
Xiphophorus maculatus
Xiphophorus hellerii
Poecilia sphenops
Trichogaster chuna
Trichogaster lalius
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Congo Tetra is much larger than Ember Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Boraras brigittae
Congo Tetra is much larger than Chili Rasbora and may frighten or even eat it.
Danio margaritatus
Congo Tetra is much larger than Celestial Pearl Danio and may frighten or even eat it.
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Hyphessobrycon eques
Serpae Tetra is a known fin nipper and will shred the long, flowing fins of Congo Tetra.
Puntigrus tetrazona
Tiger Barb is a known fin nipper and will shred the long, flowing fins of Congo Tetra.
Carassius auratus
Goldfish suit cooler water and are not suited to tropical tanks, so Congo Tetra is a poor match.
Congo Tetra feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed quality flakes or pellets as a staple.
- Add frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and some vegetable matter for the best color.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Males are larger and much more colorful, with long filaments in the tail and flowing fins. Females are plainer and smaller.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Alestidae
- Native to
- Congo River basin, Africa
- Adult size
- 3.1 in (8 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Schooling/Shoaling (6+)
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Moderate
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Mostly Safe
- Shrimp
- Will Eat Shrimp
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- Yes
- Breeding
- Difficult in Home Tanks
Congo Tetra FAQ
What size tank do Congo Tetras need?
Our sourced minimum is 29 US gallons (108 liters), with a footprint of 120 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Congo Tetras should I keep?
Keep at least 6 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Congo Tetras?
Good matches on our list include Fancy Guppy, Platy and Swordtail. Avoid White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Pea Puffer.
How long do Congo Tetras live?
Care guides report about 5–6 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Will congo tetras eat my plants?
They may nibble soft plants, though most hardy plants are fine. Use tough species such as anubias and java fern if you notice damage.
Where to buy Congo Tetra
We have not found a store that sells Congo Tetra under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 29 US gallons (108 L), 120 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.