The Congo Tetra is probably my favourite tropical fish - certainly from among the Tetras. When mature, a school of these Tetras in aquaria are truly beautiful to behold.
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NATURAL RANGE:
As the common name suggests the Congo Tetra comes from the area of Central Africa known as 'The Congo,' or now called The Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). It is found in the Congo River basin and feeds chiefly on small insects.
DESCRIPTION:
The Congo Tetra belongs to the Alestiidae family, though they should probably be listed in the Characin (Characidae) family as Micralestes interruptus.
Congo Tetras are a silvery iridescent colour. The male Congo Tetra is larger than the female and is easily distinguished from the female when mature. A mature male Congo Tetra has extended tail and dorsal fins which add greatly to the beauty of this fish. The male Congo Tetra will reach about 85mm and the female 60mm.
Congo Tetras grow rapidly and will live for about 5 years.
TANK REQUIREMENTS:
Congo Tetras make very good community fish, causing very little disturbance to other fish in the tank. They are however easily frightened, so more boisterous fish should be avoided where possible. Because they can be easily frightened you should avoid tapping on the tank.
Like most Tetras, Congo Tetras should be kept in schools of 6 or more for maximum effect and happiness.
Congo Tetras like a well planted tank, with ample swimming space at the front of the tank being best. They may nibble at some of the vegetation. Subdued lighting is probably best for these fish, though good vegetation cover across the top of the tank seems ample. Subdued lighting brings out the colour in the fish.
I have kept Congo Tetras in a six-foot tank along with Red and Blue Columbian Tetras, various Gouramis, Angel Fish, Various Platies, Swordtails and a variety of Corydora Catfish. It is best to keep them clear of 'fin-nippers' such as Tiger Barbs.
The Congo Tetra is a mid-tank to top dweller, and should be kept in tanks of no less than 3 feet in length (80 litres - 20gallons). They will not thrive in tanks of poor water quality or small size.
The temperature range for the Congo Tetra is 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5.
FEEDING:
Congo Tetras will eat most flakes, frozen bloodworms and pretty much all other tropical fish foods.
BREEDING:
Breeding Congo Tetras is considered difficult. Courtship in Congo Tetras appears to be stimulated by bright light.
The male Congo Tetra actively chases the female around the tank until such time as spawning occurs.
Congo Tetras are typical adhesive egg scatterers, with eggs being laid among the vegetation. They will generally spawn in shallow water, dropping some 300-500 eggs which will hatch in about 6 days. The eggs should be kept separate from the parents and other fish or they will be eaten.
The small fry should be fed infusoria or other prepared fry food in the early days, before being fed flakes. They will probably eat well ground flakes.
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29/07/2006