Congo Tetra

Phenacogrammus interruptus

Congo Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Congo Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 33 US gal (125 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 3–18 dGH
KH: 4–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 33 US gal (125 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 3–18 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Congo Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Congo Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Varied foods, including frequent live/frozen prey; dried foods accepted.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 33 US gal (125 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus aurantiacus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Moon Tetra Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 75–77°F (24–25°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.7" (≤ 6.9 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Congo Tetra get?

Congo Tetra reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).

What aquarium size does Congo Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 33 US gal (125 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Congo Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Congo Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Congo Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 28 °C.