Congo Tetra Female

The female Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) offers a graceful presence in freshwater aquariums. While less flamboyant than their male counterparts, females display a delicate beauty with their shimmering silver-gold bodies and gentle demeanor. Originating from the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, these peaceful schooling fish are ideal for community tanks, adding harmony and subtle charm to any aquatic setup.

Features

• Scientific Name: Phenacogrammus interruptus

• Common Name: Congo Tetra (Female)

• Size: Up to 6 cm (2.4 inches)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful and social; thrives in groups

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts flake foods, micro pellets, and small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

  • pH Level: 6.2–7.2

  • Hardness: 4–18 DGH.

Why Choose the Female Congo Tetra?

• Subtle Beauty: Their iridescent silver-gold coloration adds a touch of elegance to any aquarium.

• Peaceful Nature: Ideal for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.

• Schooling Behavior: They thrive in groups of six or more, displaying synchronized swimming that adds dynamic movement to the tank.

• Hardy and Adaptable: Suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists due to their resilience and ease of care.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 115 liters (30 gallons) for a group of six; larger tanks are preferable for bigger schools.

• Aquascape: Densely planted with both rooted and floating plants; include driftwood and rocks to mimic natural habitat.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting to enhance their iridescent features.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration to maintain water quality without creating strong currents.

• Substrate: Dark substrates accentuate their subtle colors.

Compatible Tank Mates

Female Congo Tetras coexist peacefully with:

• Other small tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras)

• Rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Otocinclus catfish

• Dwarf gouramis.

Avoid housing with large or aggressive species that may intimidate or prey on them.

Feeding Recommendations

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake foods or micro pellets.

• Supplementary Foods: Offer live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms 2–3 times a week to enhance coloration and vitality.

• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes to prevent water quality issues.

Care Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Perform weekly water changes of 25–30% to maintain optimal water quality.

• Monitor Water Parameters: Use reliable test kits to ensure temperature, pH, and hardness remain within recommended ranges.

• Observation: Regularly observe for signs of stress or illness, such as faded colors or erratic swimming, and address promptly.

• Quarantine New Additions: Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent disease transmission.

FAQs

Can female Congo Tetras be kept alone?
They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six to exhibit natural behaviors and reduce stress.

Do they require a heater in the aquarium?
Yes, maintaining a stable temperature between 24–27°C (75–81°F) is essential for their health.

Are they suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Their hardy nature and peaceful temperament make them ideal for novice aquarists.

How can I enhance their coloration?
A varied diet, maintaining high water quality, and using dark substrates can help accentuate their subtle colors.