The Congo Tetra absolutely magical
The Congo tetra is less known than their famous relatives and Tetra neon tetra cardinal and rarely found in aquariums beginners. The Congo tetra is an elongated body with large eyes. The scales are very large. The rays through the caudal fins are very long in males Congo tetras. Also can tell men apart from women in their large dorsal fin that reaches all the way back to the tail fin. Men also get larger than females. A Congo tetra male can be 3.5 centimeters long, while females usually remain smaller than 2.5 inches. A group of Congo tetras can be accommodated comfortably in aquariums measuring 40 inches or more in length.
The native habit of the Congo Tetra is the Zaire River in Central Africa. Wild captured Congo tetras are still very common in the aquarium trade from captive-bred specimens are often of lower quality. This species is not really very difficult to raise in aquaria, and we expect an increase in quality captive bred offered by aquarium stores in the future. Today, the wild-caught tetras Congo tend to have longer fins of captive bred specimens and display colors more pronounced.
Congo Tetras sport very iridescent colors of specimens. The main body is olive green, and fins can be gray or pale red in color. The belly is usually violet or purple. Each side of the body is decorated with a brown stripe that many small scratches can be seen. These stripes are usually green or gold. The tail fin and anal fins have white edges and the anal fin is also decorated with a darker ground.
The Congo tetra feel stressed if kept in an aquarium can become sterile and be very shy and skittish. A well planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places is advised. You should also keep at least six tetras Condo together, preferably further, because the Congo tetra is a sort of school. Aggressive species can also cause stress and shyness in Congo tetras, so that housing with other species peaceful purposes is recommended.
Recommended temperature range for the Congo tetra is 73 to 79 F (23 to 26 C). Soluble residue levels must be very low and frequent water changes are necessary. Water circulation should also be very powerful. Congo Tetras prefer a slightly acidic waters, but a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is generally well tolerated. Soft water is recommended, but this species is known to adapt to tough conditions in the aquarium.
In nature, food in Congo Tetra insects, but it is very difficult to train in flakes or frozen foods in the aquarium. If you give nothing Tetra Congo, but flakes, however, can become bored and colors Loos striking. Using as base flakes and supplementing with brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, Daphnia or similar foods are therefore recommended.
About the Author
Allen Jesson writes for several sites including two sites that specialize in
salt water and fresh water aquariums
and
the aquarium site
and Seapets, a leading source for
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