Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Also called African tetra
From Central Africa: the lower and middle Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Most fish in the shops today are captive-bred in Asia and Eastern Europe.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Large-scaled African characin with long, flowing fins in males
A deep-bodied tetra with big, mirror-like scales that catch the light in bands of blue, red and gold. Grown males are bigger than females and carry a tall dorsal fin and a feathery, extended centre to the tail, while females stay shorter-finned and plainer. Young fish look fairly grey and only colour up as they mature.231
Personality what they are like
A calm, sociable fish that is happiest in a group of its own kind. It swims actively in open water and gets along with most peaceful tankmates, though its bustle can unsettle very shy species. Without enough companions it tends to become timid.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active midwater swimmer that needs plenty of open swimming length in the aquarium.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water clean and stable with regular partial water changes; good conditions help males develop their full fin length and colour.2
Home where they are happiest
A tank of at least 120 x 30 cm footprint (about 108 litres) for adults, with open swimming space plus planted areas. Water 23-28 C, pH about 6.0-7.5 (FishBase gives 6.0-8.0) and hardness around 3-19 dGH.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. In the wild it eats small worms, insects, crustaceans and plant matter. In the aquarium offer a quality dry food plus regular live or frozen foods for best colour.21
Company who they like around
Keep in a mixed-sex group of at least 5-6. Good tankmates include other peaceful tetras, rainbowfish, Corydoras and calm cichlids; avoid fin-nipping or rough species.21
The story where it all began
The Congo tetra was scientifically described by George Albert Boulenger in 1899 from fish collected in the Congo basin. Its large size for a tetra and showy males made it a long-standing favourite in community aquariums, and today most stock is bred on fish farms.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Despite the name, it belongs to the African tetra family (Alestidae), not the South American tetras most people know.3
- 2
A female can scatter up to around 300 eggs after an energetic chase by the male, and they hatch in roughly six days.1
- 3
Young Congo tetras look quite plain grey; the rainbow colours and long fins appear only as they mature.2
- 4
Fish reach maturity at about 9-12 months old.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Least Concern (February 2009)1
- FishBase
- Listed as commercially important in the aquarium trade1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Congo Tetra. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Congo Tetra?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and a quality dry food plus regular live or frozen foods will bring out their best colour.21 Furry Diary plan
What does a Congo Tetra eat, and what should it never eat?
As an omnivore, it enjoys small worms, insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild. In the aquarium, offer a quality dry food plus live or frozen foods, but never feed anything not meant for fish, and avoid overfeeding.21
How much space does a Congo Tetra need?
Adults need a tank with a footprint of at least 120 x 30 cm (about 108 litres), with open swimming space and planted areas. This active midwater swimmer requires plenty of length to thrive.21
What temperature, light or water does a Congo Tetra need?
Keep water at 23-28°C, pH around 6.0-7.5 (up to 8.0 per FishBase), and hardness 3-19 dGH. Provide moderate lighting and stable conditions; good water quality helps males develop their full fin length and colour.21
How often should I clean a Congo Tetra's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water (never tap water). Regular partial water changes keep the water clean and stable. Furry Diary plan
Can a Congo Tetra live with others?
Yes, it is a calm, sociable fish that should be kept in a mixed-sex group of at least 5-6. Good tankmates include other peaceful tetras, rainbowfish, Corydoras, and calm cichlids, but avoid fin-nipping or rough species.21
How long does a Congo Tetra live?
Lifespan varies with care; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific estimates. With proper conditions, they can live several years.
Can I handle a Congo Tetra?
No, these fish should not be handled. They are delicate and stress easily; always use a net if needed and keep them in water.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Phenacogrammus interruptus, FishBase fishbase.seused for distribution, max length, water parameters, IUCN status, spawning, author
- Phenacogrammus interruptus, Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank and water parameters, diet, behaviour, appearance
- Congo tetra, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for colours, history, family, maturity, sizes
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.