Jump to content

Congo tetra: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
AnomieBOT (talk | contribs)
Bots
6,519,790 edits
m Dating maintenance tags: {{Cn}}
 
(28 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Species of fish}}
{{Taxobox
{{Speciesbox
| name = Congo tetra
| name = Congo tetra
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite journal |author1=Snoeks, J.|author2=Laleye, P.|author3=Moelants, T.|author4=Contreras-MacBeath, T. | title=''Phenacogrammus interruptus''| journal = The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species| volume= 2010|publisher = [[IUCN]] | year = 2010 | page = e.T167968A6428241| url = http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/167968/0|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T167968A6428241.en| accessdate = 23 November 2017}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Snoeks, J. |author2=Laleye, P. |author3=Moelants, T. |author4=Contreras-MacBeath, T. |date=2010 |title=''Phenacogrammus interruptus'' |volume=2010 |page=e.T167968A6428241 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T167968A6428241.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| image = Phenacogrammus interruptus (aka).jpg
| image = Phenacogrammus interruptus (aka).jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption =
| image_caption =
⚫
| taxon = Phenacogrammus interruptus
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
⚫
| authority = ([[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1899)
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
| classis = [[Actinopterygii]]
| ordo = [[Characiformes]]
| familia = [[Alestidae]]
| genus = ''[[Phenacogrammus]]''
| species = '''''P. interruptus'''''
⚫
| binomial = ''Phenacogrammus interruptus''
⚫
| binomial_authority = ([[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1899)
}}
}}


The '''Congo tetra''' (''Phenacogrammus interruptus'') is a species of fish in the [[African tetras|African tetra]] family, found in the central [[Congo River Basin]] in Africa. It is commonly kept in aquaria.
The '''Congo tetra''' ('''''Phenacogrammus interruptus''''') is a species of fish in the [[African tetras|African tetra]] family, found in the central [[Congo River Basin]] in Africa. It is commonly kept in aquaria.


== Description ==
== Description ==
{{No footnotes|section|date=February 2021}}
The Congo tetra has a typical full-bodied [[tetra]] shape with rather large scales. When mature, the iridescent colors of the Congo tetra run through the fish from front to back, starting with blue on top changing to red through the middle, to yellow-gold, and back to blue just above the belly. It is not its fluorescent colors that make this tetra so distinct, but rather its tail fin, which develops into a most beautiful grayish-violet feathery appendage with white edges. The males get up to 3.0&nbsp;inches (8.5&nbsp;cm). Females up to 2.75&nbsp;inches (6&nbsp;cm). The male is larger with more color, also the tail fin and dorsal fin are more extended.
The Congo tetra has a typical full-bodied [[tetra]] shape with rather large scales. When mature, the iridescent colors of the Congo tetra run through the fish from front to back, starting with blue on top changing to red through the middle, to yellow-gold, and back to blue just above the belly. It is not its fluorescent colors that make this tetra so distinct, but rather its tail fin, which develops into a grayish-violet feathery appendage with white edges. The males get up to 3.0&nbsp;inches (8.5&nbsp;cm). Females up to 2.75&nbsp;inches (6&nbsp;cm). The male is larger with more color, also the tail fin and dorsal fin are more extended.<ref name=":1" /> They also have different colors and extensions in the caudal fin.


==Aquarium keeping==
==Aquarium trade and keeping==
[[File:Alestidae Phenacogrammus interruptus 4.jpg|thumb|Congo tetras in aquarium]]
In the aquarium, a natural [[habitat]] will allow for healthy fish. The Congo tetra requires soft, peat-filtered water and a darker substrate. They are most comfortable in an aquarium with lower light levels. The beautiful rainbow colors of this fish will also show best in lower light levels. These fish are easily frightened by aggressive tank mates and loud noises, and may abstain from feeding until people have left the area.{{cn|date=May 2019}} It is a peaceful schooling fish and needs a large aquarium to thrive and develop its full beauty. Any aquarium of less than 30 gallons is not considered suitable for a proper school of the Congo tetra.
Congo tetra are a popular [[aquarium]] species. However, their large size and active behavior makes them unsuited for most smaller tanks. They easily adapt to captive diets like pellets and frozen foods, though they will still hunt down live foods when offered. They have successfully been bred in captivity and captive bred individuals are commonly available. Whilst they can be kept healthy on a slightly wider range of water parameters, breeding often requires water parameters more similar to their natural habitat. Bad water quality has been known to affect male fin development and lead to loss of coloration.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/phenacogrammus-interruptus/|title = Phenacogrammus interruptus (Congo Tetra) — Seriously Fish}}</ref>


⚫
== Disease and Care ==
'''Recommended water parameters:'''
The Congo Tetra is a moderately hardy freshwater fish. This species thrives in a well-maintained aquarium that mimics its natural, slightly acidic and soft-water habitat. Optimal health for Congo Tetras is achieved in a stable environment with good water quality, a balanced pH level of around 6.0 to 7.5, and temperatures between 72°F and 82°F. A varied diet, including quality flake food, frozen or live brine shrimp, and bloodworms, is essential for maintaining their vibrant colors and overall vitality.
* Hardness: 4–18 ° dGH
* pH: 6.2
* Temperature: (75–81&nbsp;°F) 24–27&nbsp;°C


Common diseases affecting Congo Tetras include Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich), a parasitic infection manifesting as white spots on the body and fins, and fin rot, often due to poor water quality. Preventive care is key, emphasizing regular water changes, tank cleanliness, and avoiding overfeeding. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to the main tank is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases. In case of illness, early detection and treatment, often involving specific medications and improved tank conditions, are vital for recovery.<ref name=":2" /> Proper care and attention to their environmental needs ensure these stunning fish remain a healthy and dynamic part of any aquarium community.
⚫
=== Care ===
As they are an omnivorous fish, Congo tetra will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. Daily feeding with a high quality flake food is recommended. [[Brine shrimp]] (live or frozen) or [[Chironomidae#Behavior and description|bloodworms]] can be given as a type of "treat."{{cn|date=May 2019}}

===Social behavior===
Congo tetra kept in aquariums are generally a good community fish when other fish are of similar size and temperament.

===Breeding and reproduction===
Congo tetras are egg layers. While little is known about their wild breeding habits. In captivity however, a large aquarium, [[peat]]-filtered water, and bright lighting will initiate spawning. They will lay up to 300 eggs that will drop to the bottom. The fry are large enough to eat freshly-hatched brine shrimp.


==Conservation status==
==Conservation status==
Line 51: Line 37:
:Folia Biologica, Volume 57, Numbers 1–2, December 2008, pp.&nbsp;13–21(9)
:Folia Biologica, Volume 57, Numbers 1–2, December 2008, pp.&nbsp;13–21(9)
:Publisher: Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences
:Publisher: Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences
*[[IUCN Red list]]<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/search |title=Search Results |website=www.iucnredlist.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106014521/http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/search |archive-date=2009-11-06}} </ref>

*IUCN Red list: [http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/search]


==References==
==References==
Line 58: Line 43:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline|Phenacogrammus interruptus|Congo tetra}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* Fishbase: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/speciessummary.php?id=10660
* [http://www.fishbase.org/summary/speciessummary.php?id=10660 Fishbase]
* Congo Tetra Fact Sheet: http://bettatrading.com.au/Congo-Tetra-Fact-Sheet.php
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110120185412/http://bettatrading.com.au/Congo-Tetra-Fact-Sheet.php Congo Tetra Fact Sheet]


{{Taxonbar|from=Q530817}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q530817}}
Line 67: Line 52:
[[Category:Freshwater fish of Africa]]
[[Category:Freshwater fish of Africa]]
[[Category:Fish described in 1899]]
[[Category:Fish described in 1899]]
[[Category:Taxa named by George Albert Boulenger]]
[[Category:Alestidae]]

Latest revision as of 08:01, 31 July 2024

Congo tetra
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Alestidae
Genus: Phenacogrammus
Species:
P. interruptus
Binomial name
Phenacogrammus interruptus
(Boulenger, 1899)

The Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a species of fish in the African tetra family, found in the central Congo River Basin in Africa. It is commonly kept in aquaria.

Description

[edit]

The Congo tetra has a typical full-bodied tetra shape with rather large scales. When mature, the iridescent colors of the Congo tetra run through the fish from front to back, starting with blue on top changing to red through the middle, to yellow-gold, and back to blue just above the belly. It is not its fluorescent colors that make this tetra so distinct, but rather its tail fin, which develops into a grayish-violet feathery appendage with white edges. The males get up to 3.0 inches (8.5 cm). Females up to 2.75 inches (6 cm). The male is larger with more color, also the tail fin and dorsal fin are more extended.[2] They also have different colors and extensions in the caudal fin.

Aquarium trade and keeping

[edit]
Congo tetras in aquarium

Congo tetra are a popular aquarium species. However, their large size and active behavior makes them unsuited for most smaller tanks. They easily adapt to captive diets like pellets and frozen foods, though they will still hunt down live foods when offered. They have successfully been bred in captivity and captive bred individuals are commonly available. Whilst they can be kept healthy on a slightly wider range of water parameters, breeding often requires water parameters more similar to their natural habitat. Bad water quality has been known to affect male fin development and lead to loss of coloration.[3]

Disease and Care

[edit]

The Congo Tetra is a moderately hardy freshwater fish. This species thrives in a well-maintained aquarium that mimics its natural, slightly acidic and soft-water habitat. Optimal health for Congo Tetras is achieved in a stable environment with good water quality, a balanced pH level of around 6.0 to 7.5, and temperatures between 72°F and 82°F. A varied diet, including quality flake food, frozen or live brine shrimp, and bloodworms, is essential for maintaining their vibrant colors and overall vitality.

Common diseases affecting Congo Tetras include Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich), a parasitic infection manifesting as white spots on the body and fins, and fin rot, often due to poor water quality. Preventive care is key, emphasizing regular water changes, tank cleanliness, and avoiding overfeeding. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to the main tank is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases. In case of illness, early detection and treatment, often involving specific medications and improved tank conditions, are vital for recovery.[3] Proper care and attention to their environmental needs ensure these stunning fish remain a healthy and dynamic part of any aquarium community.

Conservation status

[edit]

The IUCN lists the Congo tetra as a species of Least Concern.

See also

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
  • Ultrastructural Examination of Spermiogenesis and Spermatozoon Ultrastructure in Congo tetra Phenacogrammus interruptus Boulenger, 1899 (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Alestidae)
Author: Pecio, Anna
Folia Biologica, Volume 57, Numbers 1–2, December 2008, pp. 13–21(9)
Publisher: Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Snoeks, J.; Laleye, P.; Moelants, T.; Contreras-MacBeath, T. (2010). "Phenacogrammus interruptus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T167968A6428241. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T167968A6428241.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Search Results". www.iucnredlist.org. Archived from the original on 2009-11-06.
  3. ^ a b "Phenacogrammus interruptus (Congo Tetra) — Seriously Fish".
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Congo_tetra&oldid=1237744582"