Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus Interruptus 4cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The Congo Tetra is one of Africa's most beautiful characins, adult males shimmering with rainbow bands of blue, orange and gold beneath flowing, feathered fins. It is peaceful, lively and always on the move in a shoal. Native to the Congo basin, it suits a spacious, planted community tank.
- Adult Size: Around 8 cm (3 in); males larger and longer-finned
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
Origin
- Native to: Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Habitat: Shaded, slow-flowing streams and pools
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Preferred Foods: Quality flake, micro pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia
- Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily; frozen foods for best colour
Tank Mates
- Best with: Other African tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, dwarf cichlids, Synodontis, Corydoras
- Avoid: Fin-nippers, large aggressive cichlids, shy species
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Territoriality: None; a shoaling fish
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Challenges: Sensitive to poor water; easily spooked; needs a group
Water Parameters
- Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
- Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: 3–18 dGH
- Flow: Slow to moderate
- Tank Size: Minimum 110 litres; 120 cm long tank for a group of 6 or more
Final Notes
Young Congo Tetras look drab silver, so be patient: colour and fin extensions arrive with maturity, especially in a mixed-sex group of six or more. Males grow larger with extended tail filaments and a tall dorsal; females stay smaller and plainer. They are egg scatterers that spawn over plants in subdued light. Give them dark substrate, floating plants, gentle lighting and regular water changes and they will glow.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.