Congo Tetra
Quick Stats
| Size | Males to 3 1/2 inches, Females to 2 1/2 inches |
|---|---|
| Tank | 120 litres + |
| Swimming Area | Top, Middle |
| Ph | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Temperature | 73ºF to 79ºF (23-26°C) |
| Food | Flakes and Frozen Foods |
Common Name:
Congo Tetra.
Distribution:
Central Africa, in the Zaire river basin.
Colouration:
The colors on this fish vary from individual to individual and can show the complete spectrum of iridescent colors. The sides are marked by a light Brown stripe and under this are stripes that vary in color from a shining Gold to Green. The fins themselves also vary in color ranging from a pale red to Gray. The tail and Anal fins are edged in white, with the Anal having a Black blotch in the middle. The base color of the fish is Olive in color, and the underside has a Purple to Violet tinge to it. Under the right light conditions this fish is absolutely beautiful!
Lifespan:
5 + years.
Maintenance:
10% weekly water changes. They are best kept in schools of at least six with other non aggressive fish. They are sensitive to water quality.
Feeding:
The Congos are Insectivorous, but will accept flake and frozen food as well. To bring out their best colors, you should supplement their food with live Daphnia, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp when available.
Substrate:
Dark, sandy substrate.
Tank Decor:
Provide plenty of open areas for swimming, loosely planted along the sides and back.
Filtration:
Good filtration and surface aggitation is required to oxygenate the water. Good water circulation is a must.
Biotype:
The Zaire River watershed.
Breeding:
A large breeding tank is needed, with acidic very soft water. A peaty substrate is best. After an energetic courting the female will scatter about 300 pale Brown eggs among the bottom plants. This is usually done early in the morning when the first rays on the sun hit the tank. The eggs will hatch in six days and they must be fed at once with brine shrimp nauplii, rotifers or finely crushed flake food.