Congo Tetra

Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus

The Congo Tetra is a beautiful African schooling fish known for its shimmering, rainbow-like coloration and elegant flowing fins. Mature fish can display iridescent shades of blue, turquoise, gold, orange, and violet that shift depending on the lighting and viewing angle. Adult males are especially impressive, developing stronger coloration and extended fins as they mature.

Unlike most of the smaller South American tetras commonly kept in community aquariums, Congo Tetras grow to around 3 inches and are active swimmers that benefit from a longer aquarium with plenty of swimming room. They are generally peaceful and social but should be maintained in a proper group to encourage confidence, natural behavior, and their best coloration.

Care Level: Easy–Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful / Active / Schooling
Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3.25 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons recommended
Temperature: 73–81°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

Recommended Setup: Congo Tetras do best in a mature aquarium with a longer footprint and plenty of open swimming space. Live plants, driftwood, darker substrate, and somewhat subdued lighting can help showcase their iridescent coloration. Keep them with peaceful community fish and avoid aggressive or persistent fin-nipping species that may damage the extended fins of mature males. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes or pellets supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

Please Note: Congo Tetras naturally vary in size, sex, coloration, and fin development. Juveniles may appear considerably less colorful than mature specimens. Adult males generally develop stronger iridescent coloration and more elaborate fins, while females tend to remain more silver and have shorter finnage. Male and female fish are selected at random, and a specific sex or ratio cannot be guaranteed. The fish you receive may not look exactly like the individual pictured.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.