Fantastique Congo Tetra Care Guide

The Fantastique Congo Tetra, Phenacogrammus interruptus, is a striking African characin with translucent fins, a shimmering body and a broad band of iridescent colour that can shift between blue, green, gold and violet. Males are typically larger and develop especially long, elegant dorsal, caudal and anal fins, while females tend to have a rounder profile and shorter fins.This species is active but generally peaceful, spending much of its time moving through the middle levels in coordinated groups. A shoal displays its finest colours when the fish are relaxed, and males may spread their fins and posture at one another without serious conflict.Congo Tetras originate in the Congo River basin of Central Africa, where they inhabit forested waterways, tributaries and slower-moving sections shaded by overhanging vegetation. Their natural surroundings are often rich in submerged roots, leaf litter and tannin-stained water, although the species occupies a variety of river habitats.The species was described in the nineteenth century and has become one of the best-known African aquarium tetras. The name “Fantastique Congo Tetra” is commonly used in the ornamental fish trade to highlight particularly colourful or long-finned examples of this naturally dazzling species.