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 or more
- Lifespan
- 5–6 years
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.
Congo Tetra care mistakes to avoid
- 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 setup
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
TankAt least 29 US gal (108 L), 120 x 30 cm
The smallest tank our sources give for Congo Tetra. We list only tanks that hold this volume (allowing 10%, so a standard size counts) and have at least this much floor.
Picks for Spain are still being checked. The options below are for the US, and we have not confirmed that they are sold in Spain.
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 55 Gallon US
Why we chose these (Best 20-Gallon Fish Tank: 20 Long or 29?). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Starter kitA kit with the tank, filter and light in one box
We list only kits whose tank fits Congo Tetra, up to twice its minimum volume. A kit whose heater has a fixed setting shows only when that setting is inside Congo Tetra's temperature range.
None of our picks for Spain suits this species. The options below are for the US, and we have not confirmed that they are sold in Spain.
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 55 Gallon US
Check the heater's setting
Why we chose these (Best Aquarium Starter Kit: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
FilterHang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
Seachem Tidal 55 Power Filter US
Marineland Penguin PRO 175 Power Filter US
Eheim LiBERTY 130 Hang-on Filter Spain
Seachem Tidal 35 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 20 to 29-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
HeaterKeep it at 73–82 °F (23–28 °C)
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.
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 100 W US
Aqueon Submersible Glass Heater 100 W US
Eheim Thermocontrol e 100 Heater Spain
Tetra HT 100 Electronic Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 20 to 29-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water conditionerDechlorinator 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
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test kitLiquid 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
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
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.
SubstrateAny substrate
We are still choosing products for this.
Hiding places and decorIdeally an African biotope with driftwood branches, floating plants and anubias; shows its best colour in a well planted tank with open swimming space.
We are still choosing products for this.
PlantsMostly safe with live plants
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
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.
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.
Congo Tetra facts and sources
- 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
Sources
- Seriously Fish: Tank size, water ranges and behavior
- FishBase: Cross-check of water ranges and size
Lifespans are approximate and come from aquarium care guides, because these databases rarely publish them.
Where sources differ, we show the Seriously Fish aquarium figures.
Spotted something wrong? Report a parameter correction. For a sick fish, see our veterinary disclaimer.