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The Congo Tetra, Phenacogrammus interruptus, is a vibrant and active schooling fish native to the Congo River basin in Africa. Renowned for its stunning iridescent scales that shimmer with hues of blue, green, yellow, and orange, especially in mature males with their elongated, flowing dorsal and caudal fins, this species is a true showstopper in a well-planted community aquarium. Reaching a size of up to 3.5 inches, Congo Tetras thrive in groups of six or more, exhibiting their natural schooling behaviors and providing a captivating display of movement and color. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5), soft to moderately hard water, and temperatures between 72-78°F (22-26°C). An ideal setup for Congo Tetras would include a spacious aquarium (40 gallons or more for a small school), dense planting along the back and sides, open swimming areas in the front, and subdued lighting to enhance their natural iridescence. They are generally peaceful but can be boisterous during feeding, so tank mates should be similarly sized and robust, avoiding very small or delicate species. Their diet should be varied, consisting of high-quality flake or pellet food supplemented with live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to ensure optimal health and coloration.

Males have flowing fins.