Phenacogrammus interruptus
Iridescent rainbow scales and males with flowing, ragged fin extensions, the showpiece of the West African tetra world. Skittish in small groups or sparse tanks; needs floating cover and a long footprint to display properly. Build the scape around them, not the other way round.
Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) reaches 7–9 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 150 L. Native to Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of Congo, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful (shy) temperament. Aim for 23–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Keep congo tetra in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Flake, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, finely chopped earthworm. Bigger appetites than most community tetras. Plant-safe: Mostly (may nibble very soft new growth). Shrimp-safe: No.
Care at a glance
Iridescent rainbow scales and males with flowing, ragged fin extensions, the showpiece of the West African tetra world. Skittish in small groups or sparse tanks; needs floating cover and a long footprint to display properly. Build the scape around them, not the other way round.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether congo tetra fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 6+
Alestidae
Omnivore
Flake, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, finely chopped earthworm. Bigger appetites than most community tetras.
3–5 yrs
Hard
Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of Congo
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) needs a minimum tank of 150 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 23–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No. Plant safety: Mostly (may nibble very soft new growth).
Congo Tetra are omnivore. Flake, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, finely chopped earthworm. Bigger appetites than most community tetras.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
