Fish
Brilliant Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Origin: The brilliant congo is an especially bright form of the congo tetra, which lives in the Congo River basin in Central Africa. It inhabits clear forest rivers and tributaries with soft, slightly acidic water, flow, and shade from the tree canopy.
Also known as: Congo tetra, Phenacogrammus interruptus
Fact sheet
- Size
- 8 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 150 L
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 4–18 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 6+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Top
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The brilliant congo is a striking schooling characin famed for its iridescent rainbow scales that flash all colours in side lighting. Adult males develop long veil fins with a characteristic 'ragged' extension at the centre of the tail. It is a peaceful but rather large tetra that needs room and a shoal of at least 6–8. Its colour shows best in a spacious planted tank with dark substrate and soft water.
Appearance
The body is fairly deep and elongated, 7–8.5 cm long (females smaller). The large scales have an iridescent blue-green-gold pearly sheen; a golden-orange zone runs along the midbody. Males have long veil dorsal, anal, and tail fins of a grey-violet tone with white edging and the characteristic central tail extension. Females are plainer and smaller.
Care
An elongated tank of at least 150 L with dark substrate, driftwood, plants at the sides, and open space. Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness GH 4–18. Soft, slightly acidic water, good filtration with gentle flow, and regular water changes are needed. Diffuse light and floating plants bring out the scale sheen.
Feeding
An omnivore. It takes quality flakes and pellets and live or frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, and small insects. A varied diet supports growth of the veil fins. Feed once or twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling fish, but shy. It mixes well with similarly sized calm species — large tetras, rainbowfish, peaceful cichlids, and catfish. Small fidgety tankmates may nip the veil fins. Keep in shoals of at least 6–8.
Breeding
Breeding is of medium difficulty. Trigger spawning with very soft, acidic water and bright morning light. The large eggs are scattered among plants; remove the adults as they eat the eggs. The eggs are light-sensitive, so incubate in shade; fry hatch in about 6 days.
Fun facts
It is called 'brilliant' for the iridescent pearly sheen of its scales, which intensifies under side lighting. The characteristic 'ragged' central tail extension of males is the species' hallmark. Full colour and veil fins develop in males only at maturity.