Species profile
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Peaceful
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
6–12 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Active African shoaling tetra with large male fins; needs a group, good oxygenation and more swimming length than its body size suggests.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–26 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–19 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Peaceful shoaling characin. Males display with extended fins; avoid cramped tanks and persistently nippy companions.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Alternative names
Congo Tetra
Native range
Central Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Natural habitat
River and tributary habitats with current, shaded margins and structurally complex cover; clean oxygen-rich water suits long-term care.
Diet & feeding
Feeds on worms, small crustaceans, insects and plant material; offer varied foods that reach the mid-water shoal.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger and develop the characteristic extended central caudal rays plus longer dorsal/anal fins; females are smaller and plainer.
Breeding
Egg scatterer producing many non-adhesive eggs; hatching commonly takes several days and adults provide no parental care.