How big does Congo Tetra get?

Congo Tetra reaches an adult standard length of 6–8 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Congo Tetra need?

23–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.

What is the smallest tank for Congo Tetra?

At least 100 L, and no shorter than 90 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.

What is Congo Tetra like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: moderate. It occupies the middle and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 12Freshwater

Congo Tetra刚果灯

Phenacogrammus interruptus · Alestidae

The flagship African tetra, with males trailing blue-gold streamers in a 90 cm tank or larger.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 12 · Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus interruptus

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 刚果灯
Scientific name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
Family: Alestidae
Origin: Congo river basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Adult size: 6–8 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Water level: Middle
Level: Moderate
School size: ≥ 6
Min. tank: 100 L
Min. length: 90 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.23–27 °C

pH6–7.5

Hardness2–12 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1Males develop long flowing fins and need a tank 90 cm or more to show them.
2Fast and active, so choose mid-water tankmates of similar size.
3Omnivorous on flakes and brine shrimp, at its best near 24 °C in soft, slightly acidic water.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Congo Tetra get?: Congo Tetra reaches an adult standard length of 6–8 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Congo Tetra need?: 23–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.
What is the smallest tank for Congo Tetra?: At least 100 L, and no shorter than 90 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.
What is Congo Tetra like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: moderate. It occupies the middle and is omnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".