Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size3.5"
Minimum tank40 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group6+
- temperature73-82F
- pH6-7.5
- water_hardnessGH 3-18 dGH | KH 1-8 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetyunsafe
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilityintermediate
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Congo Tetra, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the topmiddle zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesLarger schooling tetra with showy iridescent fins; needs space and calm tankmates to feel safe.
- caveatKeep a group of 6 or more; lone or paired congo tetras stay skittish and refuse to swim in the open.
- caveatAdult body size and finnage make this a medium-to-large community fish — plan for open horizontal swimming space, not a nano tank.
- caveatBest in calm, mid-to-large planted community setups; congos spook easily and hide with rough or boisterous tankmates.
- caveatLong, flowing fins are easy targets for fin-nippers (tiger barb, serpae tetra, black skirt tetra) — avoid those pairings.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Chili Rasborayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ember Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Malaysian Trumpet Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Nerite Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ramshorn Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Pond Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Horned Nerite Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Neon Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 40 galCheck this pair in the planner ->