The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a popular fish among aquarists due to its attractive coloration and interesting behavior. Native to the waters of the Congo Basin in Africa, this tetra is known for its elongated and slender body, as well as its vibrant colors. Its body displays shades from silvery to bright blue and is often highlighted by a dark line running from the top to the bottom, creating a striking contrast. These fish are suitable for peaceful community aquariums as they are generally calm and non-aggressive towards other species.
The Congo Tetra is known for its active and peaceful behavior. They tend to swim in groups and enjoy the company of their conspecifics. Being shoaling fish, they feel safer and more comfortable when kept in groups of at least six individuals. This shoaling behavior often translates into a fascinating display in the aquarium as they swim together in a coordinated formation.
Sexual dimorphism in Phenacogrammus interruptus is minimal and difficult to distinguish. However, mature females may have a slightly rounder and larger abdomen than males.
Breeding Congo Tetras can be challenging in captivity but is best achieved in a dedicated breeding tank. It is recommended to provide places for egg deposition, such as fine-leaved plants and moss. Parents may eat their own eggs, so separating adults after egg laying is advised. The fry are tiny and should be fed with very small foods like infusoria and brine shrimp nauplii.
Phenacogrammus interruptus, commonly known as the Congo tetra, requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of room to swim and explore. It prefers warm and slightly acidic to neutral water. Aquarium décor should include live plants, driftwood, and rocks, along with providing shaded areas. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a varied diet.
Regarding feeding, the Congo Tetra is omnivorous. They accept a varied diet that can include flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods. Providing a balanced diet will contribute to maintaining their health and highlighting their vibrant colors.
Caring for Phenacogrammus interruptus is moderately straightforward. They are peaceful fish that adapt well to community life. It's recommended to keep them in groups of at least six individuals to promote their natural behavior and reduce stress. They are omnivorous and accept a wide variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live foods.
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To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Phenacogrammus interruptus (Congo Tetra) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Congo Tetra with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.
You can also find out the 123 species compatible with the Phenacogrammus interruptus (Congo Tetra) can live together.
Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.
Compatible without any restriction
Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.
They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.
They can live together but you have to be careful since it is likely that the fastest fish will take all the food and leave nothing for their partners who are slow swimmers, so you have to make sure that everyone can eat.
They can coexist together if the aquarium they share is large and spacious enough for both species to feel good, as some fish may attack others to feel that they have little space and try to eliminate the competition.