Congo Tetra

About the Congo Tetra

The Congo Tetra is one of Africa's most spectacular freshwater fish, renowned for its shimmering iridescent colours and elegant flowing fins. Displaying vibrant shades of blue, green, gold, violet, and orange, mature males are particularly breathtaking under quality aquarium lighting. Their peaceful nature and graceful swimming make them a stunning centrepiece for large community and planted aquariums.

Native to the Congo River Basin, Congo Tetras thrive in well-planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting, and open swimming space. They are highly social fish and should always be kept in schools of at least six, although groups of eight or more allow them to display their natural behaviour and reduce stress.

These peaceful fish are excellent companions for rainbowfish, Corydoras, peaceful barbs, larger tetras, gouramis, and dwarf cichlids. A varied diet of premium flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional live foods will maximise their colouration and encourage healthy fin development.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Phenacogrammus interruptus

Common Name

Congo Tetra

Origin

Congo River Basin, Central Africa

Adult Size

8–10 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

150 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

6.0–7.5

Water Hardness

3–18 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Lifespan

5–8 Years

Suitable For

Large community and planted aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Congo Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are hardy and peaceful, but they thrive best in larger, established aquariums with stable water conditions.

How many Congo Tetras should I keep?

A minimum of six is recommended, although schools of eight or more provide the best colour, confidence, and natural schooling behaviour.

What do Congo Tetras eat?

They enjoy quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional live foods.

Can Congo Tetras live with shrimp?

Large adult shrimp may coexist successfully, but small shrimp and shrimplets can become prey.

Why are my Congo Tetras not colourful?

Young fish often develop their full colours as they mature. Excellent water quality, a varied diet, subdued lighting, and dark décor all help enhance their iridescence.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in aquariums that are too small

Congo Tetras are active swimmers and require plenty of open swimming space.

Keeping too few fish

Small groups can become shy and fail to display their natural colours and behaviour.

Housing with fin-nipping species

Avoid Tiger Barbs and other fin nippers that may damage the males' flowing fins.

Poor water quality

Regular water changes and stable water parameters are essential for healthy fish and vibrant colours.

Feeding a limited diet

A varied, high-quality diet helps maintain their brilliant iridescent colours and flowing finnage.