Albino Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus)

Albino Congo Tetra: what you are buying

Albino Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus) is a African tetra from the lower and middle Congo River basin in Central Africa. This is the albino form: a pale, pinkish-gold body without dark pigment, red eyes and the long, fringed fins of the species, which develop most in mature males.

This listing is the albino form only; the normal, iridescent Congo tetra is sold as a separate listing.

One fish per quantity. Order six or more to start a shoal.

What you receive

One fish per quantity. Choose the size, then the quantity. Colour and finnage develop as the fish matures; photos show the form you buy, not the individual fish.

Aquarium and water

An active shoaling fish: keep a group of six or more in a mature, planted aquarium of about 150 litres or more with open swimming space and subdued light. Keep 23–28°C, pH 6–7.5 and 3–18 dGH, with stable conditions and regular partial water changes. Add the fish only to a cycled, mature aquarium.

Feeding

An omnivore: feed a quality flake or small granules daily, with small frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp a few times a week.

Tank mates and behaviour

Peaceful with community fish of similar size such as other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras and peaceful cichlids. Avoid fin-nippers, which target the long fins of the males.

Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish

Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.

1. Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
2. Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
3. Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
4. Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.

If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.

Frequently asked questions

What do I receive?

One fish per quantity. Choose the size, then the quantity.

How big does it grow?

About 8 cm as an adult.

What water does it need?

23–28°C, pH 6–7.5 and 3–18 dGH.

Is this the normal Congo tetra?

No. This listing is the albino form, pale pinkish-gold with red eyes. The normal Congo tetra is a separate listing.

Public references

• FishBase: Phenacogrammus interruptus — identity, native range and size.
• Seriously Fish: Phenacogrammus interruptus — water conditions, aquarium size and behaviour.
• RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.

Photo adapted (new background, slight change of angle) from a photo by YockeyT, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; the adapted photo is shared under the same licence.