Congo tetra size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 8.5 cm. Record sizes among the 7 Alestidae species on LumaReef: 3.1 cm (Jellybean Tetra) to 133 cm (Goliath Tigerfish).

Congo tetra tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.

Congo tetra water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 1–12 °dGH. Close to what most Alestidae on LumaReef need (22–26 °C).

Congo tetra tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 65 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Scissortail rasbora, Molly, and Dwarf gourami.

Congo tetra and plants: is it plant safe?

No, it may eat or uproot plants.

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Congo tetra

Phenacogrammus interruptus

The showiest tetra; the male trails a feathered tail fringe as he swims.

The Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a tropical freshwater fish of the family Alestidae. It swims in midwater, close to the bottom. Adults grow to about 8.5 cm. In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 120 cm long and water at 23–27 °C.

Size: 8.5 cm
Smallest tank: 120 cm
Temperature: 23–27 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature23–27 °C

pH6.0–7.5

Hardness1–12 °dGH

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Busy
Water layer: Mid water
Group: Happiest in a group of 8 or more
Plants: Eats plants

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litres33 of them
Living room180 cm · 650 litres72 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres133 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres160 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along65 species

and 41 more species

Caution21 species

Narrow shared temperature range

Crowding the same layer

Not together13 species

Aggressive with peaceful

Water temperatures do not overlap

These two do not get along

In the wild

Water type: Freshwater
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Midwater, close to the bottom
Aquarium trade: Traded commercially

Conservation status

Classification

OrderCharaciformes
FamilyAlestidae
GenusPhenacogrammus
SpeciesPhenacogrammus interruptus
Described byBoulenger, 1899

In other languages

German: Kongosalmler
Russian: Радужная тетра
Chinese: 斷線脂鯉

Quick answers

Congo tetra size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 8.5 cm. Record sizes among the 7 Alestidae species on LumaReef: 3.1 cm (Jellybean Tetra) to 133 cm (Goliath Tigerfish).
Congo tetra tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.
Congo tetra water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 1–12 °dGH. Close to what most Alestidae on LumaReef need (22–26 °C).
Congo tetra tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 65 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Scissortail rasbora, Molly, and Dwarf gourami.
Congo tetra: alone or in a group?: Keep at least 8 together.
Congo tetra and plants: is it plant safe?: No, it may eat or uproot plants.