Breeding Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus Interruptus) In The Aquarium

Congo Tetra, Congo River Tetra, Zebra Tetra, Congo Salmon, Leopard Tetra

Distribution

This is a freshwater species endemic to the Congo River and its catchment area in Africa.

Appearance

The body color ranges from olive to blue with an orange-yellow stripe along the lateral line. The top of the head is reddish. When the fish are in good condition, well nourished, their whole body shimmers and shines with the colors of the rainbow. The fins are transparent-reddish with a delicate white margin on the edges. The male is larger and more brightly colored compared to the female. Additionally, it has elongated dorsal and tail fin rays.

Temperament

This is a peaceful, schooling species that should be kept in groups of at least 5-8 fish. Then it is very active and less shy, and the males compete with each other for the females' attention. They can be kept in a community tank with tetras, rainbows, corydoras, armored catfish, Synodontis catfish, discus, peaceful cichlids, or acaras. Avoid aggressive fish, those that nip fins. The fish mostly swim in the lower and middle parts of the water. It can sometimes nibble on plants with delicate leaves.

Aquarium

They feel best in a biotope aquarium configured like an African river. It is important for the aquarium to be longer than it is tall. Necessary roots, vegetation - including floating, open spaces for free swimming, dark substrate, scattered light. You can add a few dried beech or oak leaves to the tank, which will gently color the water (the leaves should be replaced every few weeks). The fish are very sensitive to water quality - inappropriate parameters will be indicated by loss of colors or ragged fins. It is therefore necessary to regularly change part of the water - about 25% every 2 weeks.

Reproduction

This is an oviparous species. We should breed fish in a separate tank with clumps of plants with delicate leaves, dim light, slightly acid and soft water. We stimulate them to spawn by feeding them abundant live foods. The chosen pair (the fattest female and the most colorful male) should be moved to a breeding tank. Mating is preceded by the male's intense courting - he swims around the female, his entire body shakes. The fish sink to the bottom and position themselves side by side. The male continues to shake, and the female deposits her eggs into the open water column - about 200 eggs. The eggs sink to the bottom. The parents are caught - they do not care for the offspring, they eat the eggs and fry. The eggs of this species tend to spoil, so they should be checked daily and spoiled eggs removed. Larvae hatch after about 6 days, and after another day, the fry are swimming freely in search of food.