Congo tetra
Congo tetras, scientifically known as Phenacogrammus interruptus, are small, vibrant fish native to the freshwater systems of the Congo River in Central Africa. Renowned for their silvery scales that exhibit an iridescent glimmer, they possess elongated bodies and large black eyes, typically growing between 2.75 and 3 inches (6 to 8.5 centimeters). Unlike their more vividly colored South American relatives, Congo tetras display softer pastel hues, reflecting a different aesthetic within the characin family. These fish are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes insects, larvae, and aquatic plants, while also being preyed upon by various birds and larger fish.
Congo tetras have a unique adaptation with an extra fin-like projection on their backs, which aids in swimming. Reproduction occurs without a specific mating season, with females laying between 300 and 500 eggs that hatch approximately six days later. In captivity, they typically live for three to five years and are popular choices among aquarium enthusiasts. Fortunately, they are not considered a threatened species, contributing to their availability in the pet trade. Overall, Congo tetras offer a fascinating glimpse into the biodiversity of African freshwater ecosystems.
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Congo tetra
Congo tetras are known among African tetras as the most brightly colorful, but they are not nearly as beautiful as their cousins, the South American tetras. The families of South American tetras include the neon tetras, which are found in many pet stores.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Alestidae
Genus: Phenacogrammus
Species: Interruptus
Congo tetras are found in the River Congo and in Central Africa. They are found in the freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams of the Congo river system, which flows through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in midwestern Africa. Congo tetras are of the order Characiformes, known as characinsCongo tetras are classified as characins because they have an extra fin-like projection on their backs just above their tail fins. This projection is small, thin, and fleshy.
are similar to the characin tetras in South America, but they are not quite as brilliant in color. Many of the South American tetras come in bright neon colors, which is unknown among African characins. Instead, Congo tetras have silvery scales that shine with an iridescent glimmer. Their bodies look as though they reflect all the lighter, pastel shades of the rainbow. Congo tetras have elongated bodies, large black eyes, small mouths with extended lower jaws, and fins to help them swim.
Congo tetras are small fish, growing to be between 2.75 and 3 inches (6 to 8.5 centimeters). Female Congo tetras are typically smaller than males.
Congo tetras move through the water by the use of their many fins. They paddle through the currents with their pairs of pectoral, or side, fins, while their caudal, or tail, fins move from side to side guiding them and giving them added propulsion. Like other fish, Congo tetras stay balanced in the water by their steady dorsal and anal, or back and belly fins.
Like other characins, Congo tetras must have oxygen to survive. They process the oxygen they get through the gills on the sides of their bodies. Unlike humans, who have lungs and are able to breathe oxygen from the air, Congo tetras have to find the oxygen they need from the water in which they live. Congo tetras breathe in water, keep the oxygen they need, and filter the waste chemicals out through their gills.
Congo tetras are omnivorous. This means they eat both meat and plants. They feed on a variety of insects, fish, insect larvae, and aquatic, or water-living, vegetation. They are preyed upon by birds, snakes, larger fish, and many mammals.
There is no specific mating season for Congo tetras. Spawning begins when female Congo tetras swim through the water, scattering their tiny eggs as they go. Males swim over the eggs and fertilize them. When the young fish hatch from their eggs, they join the schools, or groups, of Congo tetras. Females can lay between 300 and 500 eggs, which hatch six days after fertilization.
Congo tetras are popular tank or domesticated fish.
The lifespan of Congo tetras in captivity is three to five years. They are not a threatened species.
Bibliography
Fishlore, Mike. "Congo Tetra." Fishlore, 6 Aug. 2019, www.fishlore.com/aquariummagazine/june08/congo-tetra.htm. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
"Phenacogrammus Interruptus." FishBase, www.fishbase.se/summary/Phenacogrammus-interruptus.html. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Reich, Thomas. "All about the Congo Tetra Fish." The Spruce Pets, 15 Nov. 2023, www.thesprucepets.com/congo-tetra-1380990. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.