Congo tetra — a Alestidae from Congo basin, Africa, gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Reaches 6–8.8 cm; schools tightly; never keep below 6. 23–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
6–8.8 cm
Minimum tank
93 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few
Origin
Congo basin, Africa
Species overview
Phenacogrammus interruptus, a member of the family Alestidae, is native to Congo basin, Africa. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 6–8.8 cm. Schools tightly; never keep below 6. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 23–26 °C at pH 6–8. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Schools tightly; never keep below 6
Diet
Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest
Recommended tankmates
Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully