Yellow Congo Tetra Care Guide
Phenacogrammus aurantiacus is a small African tetra from the Congo and Ogooue basins, kept as a peaceful mid-water schooling fish.
Overview
Phenacogrammus aurantiacus is a small freshwater fish of the African tetra family Alestidae, described by Pellegrin in 1930. It is a benthopelagic species native to the river systems of Central Africa. The fish has silvery sides marked by a broad dark band that runs from just behind the gills along the midline to the caudal fin, with the intensity of the band varying between individuals.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alestidae
- Genus: Phenacogrammus
- Scientific name: Phenacogrammus aurantiacus
- Author: Pellegrin, 1930
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the Kouilou basin in the Republic of the Congo, the Ogowe (Ogooue) basin in Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, and the middle and upper reaches of the Congo River basin. It is a tropical, freshwater, benthopelagic fish found in rivers and associated waterbodies of Central Africa.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. Small African tetras of this type take a mixed diet, so captive feeding should combine quality dried foods with regular live and frozen items. Feeding twice daily in small amounts suits a fish of this size.
Compatibility
Phenacogrammus aurantiacus is a peaceful, mid-water schooling species that is most settled when kept in a group of at least six. It mixes well in a community of similarly sized, non-aggressive fish and African community tankmates such as Synodontis catfish. Boisterous or aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Conservation status
FishBase reports the species as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, assessed in February 2009. It is noted to have high resilience, with a minimum population doubling time of less than 15 months and a low vulnerability rating.