Congo fish: description, rules of keeping, breeding and compatibility

Congo fish is a very popular variety for breeding in home aquariums. They delight the eye with their beautiful scales and truly adorn the composition of the decorative reservoir. However, not everyone knows what the main features of these underwater inhabitants are, how to properly care for them in the conditions of home detention and how to independently breed the Congo. All of these nuances will be described in detail in this article.

The full name of this fish is the rainbow tetra conga. This name is based on the coloring features that males possess. Their scales of light gray shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. Males have a larger size (from 8.5 to 9 cm) compared to femaleswhose body length is only 6 cm. The latter look more modest - on their scales there are no multi-colored overflows.

In addition to color, the characteristics of this fish include the following.

• The shape of the body, like most fish, is elongated, compressed laterally.
• The Congo belongs to the haracin family, which, in turn, belongs to the haraca species, which are characterized by the presence of a small adipose fin located in the dorsal part between the caudal and dorsal processes.
• In the middle of the caudal, as well as on the dorsal fin of males, there are long processes called veil processes. Many believe that the tail of this fish consists of three lobes, classifying its middle part as a separate lobe.
• Congo's eyes are large and look distinctive.
• The dorsal, anal, and ventral fins are gray, which can sometimes be cast in purple.
• The lifespan of these fish lasts up to 5 years.
• The homeland of these fish is the central and equatorial parts of Africa.

The first mention of such a fish appeared in 1899, they were made by George Albert Boulangerwho was considered an expert in the field of freshwater fish living in Africa. The main habitats of the Congo on the continent are the upper reaches of the Congo River, as well as the Zaire River Basin. These individuals are kept in packs in rather muddy water. They eat zooplankton, insects, plants and crustaceans.

Congo, like any aquarium fish, requires certain conditions for proper maintenance. The owner of the aquarium needs to consider the following nuances.

• Since in natural conditions the Congo lives in small flocks, their optimal number for the aquarium should be from 6 to 8 pieces. If the volume of the tank allows, you can get up to 10 fish. Remember that being in a too small group, the fish can be stressed due to a feeling of insecurity. This, in turn, negatively affects the color of males and deprives them of pleasing eye overflows.
• It is also worth observing the proportion of the sex ratio in the group. It is better that there are 1 female per 2-3 males.

The recommended aquarium volume for a domestic flock of Congo is from 100 to 130 liters.

• Place more plants in the aquarium - both living and ornamental. This will further protect the Congo from stress, as they will have the opportunity to hide. In order for the natural flora to grow faster, the intensity of refreshing the water in the tank should be 50% per week.
• The best way to place plants in an aquarium with Congo is to use areas near the walls on each side. The central area of ​​the tank should be diverted under the active swimming zone.
• The water in the aquarium should be slightly acidic with a pH from 6.0 to 6.5, but not higher.
• It is also worth monitoring the cleanliness of a home reservoir, providing it with high-quality filtration and circulation.
• It is important to maintain appropriate temperature conditions. For Tetra Congo, it is 24-27 degrees above zero Celsius.
• To reduce the likelihood of stressful moments for the fish, choose a dark ground for your tank, as well as create dim lighting. If there is still too much light, place plants in the aquarium that obscure it, floating on the surface.

The peaceful nature of the Congo does not allow their proximity to more active or aggressive species of fish. Some individuals can even bite off the veil of their fins, which is extremely undesirable. Therefore, rainbow coasters, cichlids, catfish, corridors, loaches, pearl goranes will be suitable neighbors in the aquarium. Having the same size and similar character to the Congo, such varieties will create the perfect microclimate for each other. However, remember that too small a fish will feel uncomfortable with the Congo.

If you notice on the body of the fish education in the form of fluff, cotton wool or moss, this indicates a fungal disease. If left untreated, ulcers and bruising can appear on the scales. Therefore, diseased specimens should be placed in a separate container and consult with a veterinarian about treatment.

• If you will use the medicine for such fish, before this, the mandatory procedure is to clean the filtration system. It is imperative to remove the charcoal filter, otherwise it will absorb drugs. Be sure to read the instructions and dosage rules before treating the pet.
• Remember that water quality must be checked regularly. First of all, it is because of its deterioration that the Congo may have health problems.To independently monitor water quality, purchase special test kits for water.

Problems with feeding this fish should not arise due to its omnivorous nature. However, there are products that are most desirable in the aquarium Congo diet.

• From live food, fresh or frozen arrhythmias, as well as bloodworms, are suitable.
• You should also pay attention to cereals, vegetables and herbal supplements. This will help you keep the aquarium plants intact. If the Congo does not receive plant feed, then they will begin to eat live plants in the tank.
• It is advisable to buy dry food for fish by weight and be sure to look at its shelf life.

It cannot be said that the breeding of this tetra is simple, but if you follow a certain algorithm, even beginner fish holders can cope with it. This strategy is as follows.

• Select the most active and vivid specimens of male and female. The female should be the largest of all that is in the aquarium.
• Seed them in different containers and carry out intensive dressing with live food for a week.
• In a spawning tank, create conditions that are close to natural. Mix in it natural algae and plants.
• A couple of centimeters above the bottom should be located separator network so that parents could not eat laid caviar.
• Make sure that the temperature in the aquarium is + 26 degrees Celsius, and the pH value is 6.5.
• By the number for breeding, you can take more than 2 fish, but males should prevail.

When the selected individuals are in the aquarium, the first stage of interaction between them will be courtship. After spawning occurs, and the female lays eggs in an amount of 100 to 300 pieces that settle on the bottom of the aquarium. The diameter of the eggs is 1.8 mm. Spawning can last up to 72 hours.

When spawning ends, drop the adults out of the tank. Then you should reduce the water level in it by 3 cm. After 6 or 7 days from the moment of fertilization, the fry are born. At this time, raise the water level again. Take care of the nutrition of newborn fish, giving them high-quality artificial feed, egg yolk, rotifers, ciliates.

Thus, the cultivation of such African fish is not very difficult. If you take into account all the features of keeping fish such as Congo, you can not only decorate your aquarium with them, but also independently breed a tetra, which will be interesting to watch for you and all your family members.

About rainbow tetra Congo, see the video below.