Congo Tetra
Congo Tetra
Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is the flagship tetra of Africa — a large, elegant fish that shifts from seemingly plain to extraordinarily beautiful depending on how light strikes it. The body carries iridescent blue, green, gold, and violet shimmering across the scales simultaneously, and adult males develop flowing fin extensions that make them genuinely spectacular display fish.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to the Congo River basin — one of the deepest and most biodiverse river systems in the world, with unique conditions driving the evolution of many extraordinary species. Congo Tetras inhabit the middle and upper water layers of slow-moving rivers and tributaries with soft, slightly acidic water.
Males develop spectacular fin extensions as they mature — the dorsal fin becomes dramatically tall and flowing, the caudal fin develops extended central rays, and the entire body develops a shifting iridescent sheen that changes with light angle. The full male display is one of the most impressive fin developments in any small freshwater fish. Keep in groups of at least 6 with more females than males.
The Congo Tetra thrives on high-quality varied feeding — the shifting iridescent coloration is most vivid in well-conditioned fish. A group of adult male Congo Tetras in a large, well-lit planted aquarium is a genuinely remarkable display.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — active community |
| Typical Adult Size | 3.5 inches (9 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 6 minimum — more females than males |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Vibra Bites; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Notes | Flagship African tetra. Males develop extraordinary flowing fin extensions. Shifting blue-green-gold-violet iridescence. Largest commonly kept African tetra. |
