Phenacogrammus interruptus (Boulenger 1899)

In the aquarium this species should be kept in groups of 7 or more individuals, with plenty of swimming space, some driftwood branches, floating vegetation and Anubias species. Phenacogrammus interruptus is quite sensitive to water quality – the water should be good circulating and soft (pH 7.0 and less). Otherwise the fish might lose its brilliant colour and turn grayish.

Congo Tetra will accept most commercial foods. But in order to induce the fish to show their best colouration live and frozen food should make a good proportion of the diet.

The adult males are larger and more colourful. They develop extended filaments in the caudal and dorsal fins.

In its natural environment this fish feeds on worms, small insects, crustaceans, plant matter and detritus.

For breeding it is needed a separate tank of minimum 70-80L, big enough to raise any numbers of fry. Lighting should be reduced.  Some clumps of plants added will be helpfull to induce spawning, as in Nature the eggs would be scattered amongst vegetation. The base of the tank should be covered with some kind of mesh large enough to allow the eggs to fall through it, but small enough prevent the adults from reaching them.

The fish should be conditioned using live and frozen foods.

This species are open water substrate egg scatterers. The pair may lay up to 300 eggs, but 100-200 is more common. Phenacogrammus interruptus do not guard the fry.

After the yolk sacs are consumed (1 day) the fry should be offered infusoria for 2-3 days, followed by nutrition by Artemia and microworm.

During the first 24-48 hours of incubation it is common for many of the eggs to become fungussed. These should be removed with a long pipettes.