The Congo tetra has a typical full-bodied tetra shape with rather large scales. When mature, the iridescent colors of the Congo tetra run through the fish from front to back, starting with blue on top changing to red through the middle, to yellow-gold, and back to blue just above the belly. It is not its fluorescent colors that make this tetra so distinct, but rather its tail fin, which develops into a most beautiful grayish-violet feathery appendage with white edges. The males get up to 3.0 inches. Females up to 2.75 inches. The male is larger with more color, also the tail fin and dorsal fin are more extended.
Aquarium keeping
In the aquarium, a natural habitat will allow for healthy fish. The Congo tetra requires soft, peat-filtered water and a darker substrate. They are most comfortable in an aquarium with lower light levels. The beautiful rainbow colors of this fish will also show best in lower light levels. These fish are easily frightened by aggressive tank mates and loud noises, and may abstain from feeding until people have left the area. It is a peaceful schooling fish and needs a large aquarium to thrive and develop its full beauty. Any aquarium of less than 30 gallons is not considered suitable for a proper school of the Congo tetra. Recommended water parameters:
Hardness: 4–18 ° dGH
pH: 6.2
Temperature: 24–27 °C
Care
As they are an omnivorous fish, Congo tetra will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. Daily feeding with a high qualityflake food is recommended. Brine shrimp or bloodworms can be given as a type of "treat."
Social behavior
Congo tetra kept in aquariums are generally a good community fish when other fish are of similar size and temperament.
Breeding and reproduction
Congo tetras are egg layers. While little is known about their wild breeding habits. In captivity however, a large aquarium, peat-filtered water, and bright lighting will initiate spawning. They will lay up to 300 eggs that will drop to the bottom. The fry are large enough to eat freshly-hatched brine shrimp.
