Congo Tetra

Conto Tetra

Phenacogrammus Interruptus

The Congo Tetra is a larger species of Tetra that develops long flowing fins and beautiful colouration, it occurs naturally in Africa, contrary to most Tetras sold in the aquarium trade, that occur in South and Central America.

Locale: Occurs mostly through the Central Basin of the Congo River, through much of the Democratic Republic of Congo - occurs most often in murky tributaries, pools, river branches and streams of the Central Basin (though can be found throughout the rest of the Congo River also) especially in well shaded areas, most commonly areas shaded by taller vegetation and branchy wood.

Fun fact: Conto Tetras are one of the largest species of Tetra, commonly reaching 8-9cms, though many specimens have been recorded reaching much larger sizes, sometimes up to 12cms!

Care:

Care difficulty - Beginner, hardy schooling fish.

Temperament - Semi-aggressive, schools peacefully when kept in large group sizes (e.g. 15+), however 6+ is recommended as minimum school size though Congo Tetras can sometimes display fin-nipping behaviour in these group sizes.

Adult size - 8-9cms (Many have been recorded larger than this however)

Diet - Omnivorous; will eat both ends of the spectrum, from filament algae to small invertebrates and microcrustaceans, so in the Aquaria it is best to feed a staple diet of smaller pellets or flakes, and can have frozen or even live food dietary supplements, such as live or frozen brine shrimp, live black worms, frozen bloodworms, frozen mysis with spirulina, these should only be fed once or twice per fortnight.

Habitat - In the aquaria Tetras are very unfussy fish when it comes to environment, however recreating the natural environment of any fish is always beneficial, such an environment for the Congo Tetra would include a light soft sandy substrate, dark branchy driftwood, tall vegetation for the school of Congos to retreat to when swimming in upper portions of the tank. 

Optimal Water Parameters:

Temperature: 24-30°c

pH: 5.8-7.0

GH: 3-10

KH: 1-3

Fish size, sex, exact colour and patterning may vary from photo.