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Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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1
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1266
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Sun September 11, 2005
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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Average Rating
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100% of reviewers
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None indicated
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8.0
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Description:
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Compatibility: Peaceful
Maximum Size: 5"
Minimum Tank Size: 45g
Temperature: 72-82F
Diet: Omnivorous
Level of care: Medium
General Notes:
This beautiful fish originates in Africa, throughout the watershed of Zaire/Congo, Gambia, and the Ogowe river among other places. It has a somewhat laterally compressed body and has many irridescent hues in its coloration. Colors range from blue, green, orange, silver, violet, and yellow and depends on sex and lighting. Most specimens have a noticeable band of orange along the top portion of their sides, though this is predominantly in males. Often, there is an ultraviolet strip on top of the orange band. Females tend to be a dully silver gray color but retain the highly reflective scales of the males. The fins of the males can be quite long and flowing, particularly the anal and caudal fin. The fins are edged with white and the tails can display black streaking in the center that may appear to be a disease when it is, in fact, natural coloration. The males’ also tend to develop two long, thin parts of the center of the tail that extend past the rest. The scales of this fish are large and can be seen quite easily. The eyes are also very large and are a yellowish color with big black pupils. Interestingly, on adult specimens, the teeth can be quite visible.
This species is one of the larger tetra species common to the aquarium trade, and although it usually reaches three inches in length, a length of five inches is not uncommon for an adult male. Despite its size, this species is generally very docile and makes a good candidate for any peaceful community tank of appropriate size. Any tankmates with fin-nipping tendencies must be avoided. Very large or boisterous fish may unnerve the Congo tetra, as it is fairly skittish. It can be bothered by loud noises or sudden movements and so placing them in a tank in a busy area should be avoided if possible.
This species prefers a lot of heavy vegetation, with floating plants to diffuse the light. It is a mid to top level swimmer. They require ample open swimming space and must be kept in schools. Six or more is recommended, though more is always better when space permits. Try to obtain a good distribution of females for every male to avoid aggression and harassment of the females. Breeding in captivity is not very common and is very difficult.
The diet of this fish should contain meaty foods such as bloodworms, chopped krill, etc., but should also contain vegetable matter. Sanitary live foods are appreciated. This fish relishes the floating plant duckweed, or [/I]lemna minor[/I], though it leaves other aquarium plants alone.
This species is sensitive to poor water conditions and requires clean water. Frequent water changes are a must. It is also sensitive to pollutants and medications.
The Congo tetra can be difficult to find and usually costs around 10$ US making it a relatively poor choice for the beginner.
It has, in the past or erroneously, been referred to as Micralestes interruptus, Hemigrammalestes interruptus, Alestopetersius interruptus
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Author
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Fish Friend
Super Fish
Registered: May 2005
Location: England
Posts: 1661
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Review Date: Sun September 11, 2005
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Would you recommend the profile? Yes |
Price you paid?: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Lovely peaceful fish
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Cons:
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This fish goes very well with rainbow fish and is very colourful !!
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