Tetra Congo

The Congo tetra is a species of fish in the African tetra family, found in the central Congo River Basin in Africa.  They have flowing fins that appear to shimmer and the main color tends to be silver with an orange glow.

Behaviour

Congo Tetras do well in a peaceful community aquarium that is well lit and moderately planted. They prefer to swim in schools of 5-8 in an aquarium that has plenty of room. It is best if this fish is the dominant species in the tank or it may become shy and reclusive.

Tank Conditions

They prefer still, dark, soft, peat-filtered water with low light levels. This can be achieved with dim aquarium lights and floating plants such as Silvinia. They like darker substrates and enjoy nibbling on bottom-growing plants.

Compatibility

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.

Feeding

The Congo Tetra enjoys many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food and high quality flake food. They should be fed small amounts several times a day.  Do not worry if you don’t actually see them feeding because they can be shy if you are watching them.

Care

Congo tetras are fairly hardy, but you need to keep their habitat well maintained with plenty of space and well filtered water.  correctly. If the quality of the water drops, Congo tetras may lose some of their color or get fin damage.