Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)

Description

Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)

Elegant, iridescent and truly spectacular, the Congo Tetra is one of the world's most beautiful freshwater schooling fish. With shimmering rainbow colours, flowing fins and graceful swimming behaviour, this African species makes a breathtaking centrepiece for larger planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
  • Common name: Congo Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 8–10 cm
  • Tank size: 120L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Minimum school: 6+ recommended (8–10+ preferred)

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You want a stunning feature school for a larger planted aquarium.
  • You appreciate fish with shimmering natural colours.
  • You have plenty of open swimming space.
  • You enjoy peaceful community fish with graceful behaviour.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • Your aquarium is too small for an active school.
  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
  • You plan to keep only one or two individuals.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.

Why choose Congo Tetras?

Native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, Congo Tetras are widely regarded as one of the most beautiful tetra species available. Their bodies display a constantly changing blend of blue, violet, gold and emerald green iridescence that shifts with the angle of light, creating an almost metallic appearance.

Mature males develop spectacular flowing dorsal, caudal and anal fins that add elegance to every movement. When maintained in a large school, they swim confidently through the mid-water column, creating a truly mesmerising display.

Despite their striking appearance, Congo Tetras are peaceful community fish that coexist well with similarly gentle species. They thrive in mature planted aquariums where subdued lighting and dark substrates enhance their incredible colours.

Benefits

  • Brilliant rainbow iridescent colouration
  • Graceful flowing fins in mature males
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Excellent schooling behaviour
  • Ideal feature fish for planted aquariums
  • Hardy once established

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 23–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well filtered with gentle water movement
  • Substrate: Dark substrate preferred to enhance colouration
  • Setup: Dense plants around the edges with generous open swimming space
  • Keep them in schools of at least six, although larger groups display more natural behaviour.
  • Regular water changes and a varied diet help maximise colour and finnage.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Pearl Gouramis
  • Corydoras
  • Bristlenose Catfish
  • Rainbowfish
  • Bolivian Rams
NTA Insight:
Congo Tetras often surprise aquarists because juveniles appear relatively plain compared to adults. As males mature and receive a nutritious diet in clean water, they gradually develop their famous flowing fins and spectacular iridescent colours. A dark background, subdued lighting and dense planting allow their natural beauty to truly stand out.

FAQ

How many Congo Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least six, although schools of eight to twelve or more provide the best colour, confidence and natural schooling behaviour.

Are Congo Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are excellent community fish that coexist well with other peaceful species of similar size.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp are generally safe, but small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten due to the Congo Tetra's larger adult size.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Males develop longer flowing fins and more vibrant iridescent colours. Females remain slightly smaller with shorter fins and a fuller body shape.

Why are my Congo Tetras pale?

Young fish naturally have less colour than adults. Stress, poor water quality or inadequate nutrition can also reduce colour intensity.

Are Congo Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. Once housed in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality, they are hardy and relatively easy to care for.

How long do Congo Tetras live?

With excellent care, Congo Tetras commonly live between 5 and 7 years.

Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)

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Free pickup in our shop(s)
šŸ“ In-Store Locations: DISPLAY
šŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 16 July 2026

3 in stock  

$15.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)

    Elegant, iridescent and truly spectacular, the Congo Tetra is one of the world's most beautiful freshwater schooling fish. With shimmering rainbow colours, flowing fins and graceful swimming behaviour, this African species makes a breathtaking centrepiece for larger planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Phenacogrammus interruptus
    • Common name: Congo Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 8–10 cm
    • Tank size: 120L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Minimum school: 6+ recommended (8–10+ preferred)

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You want a stunning feature school for a larger planted aquarium.
    • You appreciate fish with shimmering natural colours.
    • You have plenty of open swimming space.
    • You enjoy peaceful community fish with graceful behaviour.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • Your aquarium is too small for an active school.
    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
    • You plan to keep only one or two individuals.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.

    Why choose Congo Tetras?

    Native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, Congo Tetras are widely regarded as one of the most beautiful tetra species available. Their bodies display a constantly changing blend of blue, violet, gold and emerald green iridescence that shifts with the angle of light, creating an almost metallic appearance.

    Mature males develop spectacular flowing dorsal, caudal and anal fins that add elegance to every movement. When maintained in a large school, they swim confidently through the mid-water column, creating a truly mesmerising display.

    Despite their striking appearance, Congo Tetras are peaceful community fish that coexist well with similarly gentle species. They thrive in mature planted aquariums where subdued lighting and dark substrates enhance their incredible colours.

    Benefits

    • Brilliant rainbow iridescent colouration
    • Graceful flowing fins in mature males
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Excellent schooling behaviour
    • Ideal feature fish for planted aquariums
    • Hardy once established

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 23–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: High-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well filtered with gentle water movement
    • Substrate: Dark substrate preferred to enhance colouration
    • Setup: Dense plants around the edges with generous open swimming space
    • Keep them in schools of at least six, although larger groups display more natural behaviour.
    • Regular water changes and a varied diet help maximise colour and finnage.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Pearl Gouramis
    • Corydoras
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    • Rainbowfish
    • Bolivian Rams
    NTA Insight:
    Congo Tetras often surprise aquarists because juveniles appear relatively plain compared to adults. As males mature and receive a nutritious diet in clean water, they gradually develop their famous flowing fins and spectacular iridescent colours. A dark background, subdued lighting and dense planting allow their natural beauty to truly stand out.

    FAQ

    How many Congo Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least six, although schools of eight to twelve or more provide the best colour, confidence and natural schooling behaviour.

    Are Congo Tetras peaceful?

    Yes. They are excellent community fish that coexist well with other peaceful species of similar size.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp are generally safe, but small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten due to the Congo Tetra's larger adult size.

    How can I tell males and females apart?

    Males develop longer flowing fins and more vibrant iridescent colours. Females remain slightly smaller with shorter fins and a fuller body shape.

    Why are my Congo Tetras pale?

    Young fish naturally have less colour than adults. Stress, poor water quality or inadequate nutrition can also reduce colour intensity.

    Are Congo Tetras suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Once housed in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality, they are hardy and relatively easy to care for.

    How long do Congo Tetras live?

    With excellent care, Congo Tetras commonly live between 5 and 7 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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