All fish / Alestidae

Orange Congo Tetra

Phenacogrammus aurantiacus

Also known as orange tetra, golden congo tetra, yellow congo tetra

This is a small African tetra from the Congo basin. Its body is silvery with a warm orange to golden tint, and the fins are often edged in orange. It is kept as a calmer, smaller alternative to the common Congo tetra and looks good in a shoal in a planted community tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and small pellets, plus frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Congo River basin, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Breeding

It scatters eggs over plants or fine substrate and does not look after them. Captive breeding is rarely reported, and the adults will eat any eggs they find.

Good to know

This species is not often traded, so fish sold under its name may actually be other Phenacogrammus species. Keep it in soft, clean, well-oxygenated water, as it is sensitive to poor water quality.