Congo Tetra
Pickup available at Napier
Usually ready in 4 hours
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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The Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a large, elegant freshwater tetra renowned for its shimmering rainbow colours and flowing fins. Native to the Congo River Basin in Africa, this species brings movement, colour, and presence to larger community aquariums.
Congo Tetras are peaceful but active schooling fish that display their best colouration and behaviour in spacious, well-maintained aquariums. When kept in proper groups with compatible tank mates, males develop stunning iridescent hues and extended fin rays that make this species a true centrepiece fish.
Physical Characteristics
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Adult Size: Approximately 7–9 cm (3–3.5 inches)
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Coloration: Iridescent blue, green, gold, and violet tones with translucent fins; males display longer, flowing fin extensions
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Body Shape: Slender, elongated tetra profile
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Sexual Dimorphism:
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Males are larger, more colourful, and develop extended dorsal and caudal fin rays
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Females are smaller with shorter fins and softer coloration
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Behaviour & Temperament
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Tank Level: Mid to upper water column
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Schooling Behaviour: Should be kept in groups of 6 or more
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Activity Level: Active swimmer
Suitable Tank Mates
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Other peaceful medium to large tetras
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Corydoras and larger catfish
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Peaceful cichlids
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Gouramis
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Rainbowfish
Avoid:
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Fin-nipping species
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Very small or timid fish
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Aggressive or highly territorial species
Breeding Information
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Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
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Breeding Setup:
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Soft, slightly acidic water
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Dense plants or spawning mops
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Parental Care: None
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Notes: Adults may eat eggs; separation required for breeding attempts
Special Considerations
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Requires ample swimming space
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Best colouration achieved with stable water quality and subdued lighting
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Flowing fins may attract fin-nippers
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Sensitive to poor water conditions compared to smaller tetras
Aquarium Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 150 litres
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Water Temperature: 22–28°C
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pH Range: 6.0–7.5
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Water Hardness: 3–12 dGH
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Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
- Decor: Live plants, driftwood, shaded areas
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Filtration: Moderate, well-maintained
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Lighting: Moderate; plants help diffuse brightness
Diet & Feeding
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Diet Type: Omnivore
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Recommended Foods:
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Frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp
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Occasional live foods for conditioning
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily in small portions
Pet City aims to provide up to date product information including ingredients, size and colour specifications, packaging and product features, as provided to us by the product manufacturer. As product details change from time to time, this information is intended as a guide only and some delay may occur in the updating of our listing. Product images are indicative of the appearance and the product delivered may vary slightly from the product image show. When precise information is important, we recommend that you read the label on the products you purchase or contact the manufacturer of the product.
