| Family | Alestidae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Congo River Basin |
| Adult Size | 2.5 to 3. 5 inches |
| Social | Peaceful schooling fish |
| Lifespan | 3 to 5 years |
| Tank Level | All levels |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Diet | Omnivores |
| Breeding | Egg layer |
| Care | Moderate |
| pH | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Hardness | 3 to 18 dGH |
| Temperature | 73.0 to 82.0 F (22.8 to 27.8 C) |
These African characin fish are found in the Congo River Basin. They populate streams, tributaries, pools, and marshes, preferring murky, slightly acidic water. The Congo tetra generally congregates in areas with tall vegetation, few trees, and substrates made up of sand, silt, and mud. Swimming in large schools, the Tetra feed on worms, crustaceans, insects, plant matter, and algae.
This species was not discovered until 1949 and was not imported as a common aquarium fish until the 1960s. During the 1970s, Florida fish farms perfected a breeding line, and most specimens found in pet stores descend from this line. They will breed true, having all of the color and beautifully trailing tails of the native African fish.
Colors and Markings
The fish in nature approaches 4 1/2 inches. However farm-raised varieties, though full finned and rich with color, will generally not grow beyond 3 or 3 1/2 inches. They have long, flat bodies with large scales. This fish shows amazing rainbow luminescence along the whole body from back to front. They are generally blue on top, red and gold in the middle, and blue on the belly. Males also have long, flowing fins that are violet with white edging; the mail's tail fin is long and flowing along the vertical medial line.
Tankmates
Congo tetras are schooling fish that can get anxious if they are not part of a group of at least six of the same species. If kept with other fish of the same size or smaller, Congo tetras are generally peaceful. Ideal tankmates include other tetras, rainbowfish, and Corydoras catfish.
Avoid aggressive species, as they will bully your Congo tetras. Do not keep Congo tetras with any fin-nipping fish as the spectacular fins of the males will be destroyed.
Congo Tetra Habitat and Care
Congo tetras are fairly hardy, but only if kept in habitats that are maintained correctly. They prefer still, dark, soft, peat-filtered water with low light levels. This can be achieved with dim aquarium lights and floating plants. They like darker substrates and enjoy nibbling on bottom-growing plants.
To help your fish maintain good health, you'll need to provide them with plenty of space and carefully filtered water. If the quality of the water drops, Congo tetras may lose some of their colorations or wind up with damaged fins.
