Phenacogrammus interruptus (Albino Congo Tetra)

25 June 2026

535

The Albino Congo Tetra is a breathtaking, pale-colored variant of the classic African species. Known for its iridescent, shimmering scales and striking red eyes, this active schooling fish adds elegance to any large community aquarium. Its peaceful nature and flowing fins make it a highly sought-after centerpiece.

Phenacogrammus interruptus (Albino Congo Tetra)

Overview

Image of congo tetra albino phenacogrammus interuptus

The Albino Congo Tetra is a stunning color morph of the standard Congo Tetra, native to the Congo River Basin. This variant lacks the typical dark pigmentation, resulting in a pale, opalescent body that catches the light beautifully, paired with distinct pinkish-red eyes.

Distribution and Habitat

While the albino variant is exclusively captive-bred for the aquarium trade, the wild Phenacogrammus interruptus originates from the central Congo River Basin in Africa. They inhabit acidic, dark, and heavily vegetated jungle streams and tributaries.

Description of Albino Congo Tetra

Body shape:

They possess an elongated, laterally compressed body typical of larger tetra species, giving them a streamlined and robust appearance.

Color:

The body is predominantly translucent white to pale pink, overlaid with a stunning iridescent sheen that flashes yellow, green, and pale blue under aquarium lighting.

Barbels:

They do not have barbels.

Snout:

The snout is relatively short with a terminal mouth designed for snatching insects and small prey from the water column.

Eyes:

As true albinos, they feature striking, bright pink or red eyes.

Fins:

Males develop spectacular, elongated, and feathery dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Females have shorter, more modest fins.

The Tail:

The caudal fin is deeply forked, with adult males often developing extended middle rays.

Temper

They are generally peaceful but can be easily startled. They are best kept with other calm, similarly sized fish.

Sociality

Albino Congo Tetras are highly social schooling fish. They should be kept in groups of at least six, preferably more, to feel secure and display their best behaviors.

Activity

They are active mid-to-top water swimmers. They spend most of their day swimming openly in the current, especially when kept in a proper school.

Keeping and Caring for Albino Congo Tetra

Tank size:

A minimum of 110 liters (30 gallons) is required, though a larger tank of 200 liters (55 gallons) or more is highly recommended to provide adequate swimming space for a school.

Water Parameters:

They thrive in well-oxygenated, slightly acidic to neutral water with low nitrate levels.

Temperature

Maintain the water temperature between 24°C and 27°C (75°F - 81°F).

pH

The ideal pH range is 6.0 to 7.5.

Hardness

They prefer soft to moderately hard water, generally between 3 and 18 dGH.

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate

Ammonia and Nitrite must be 0 ppm. Nitrates should be kept as low as possible, ideally below 20 ppm, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.

Lighting

Moderate to dim lighting is preferred. Floating plants can help diffuse bright lights, making the fish feel more secure and enhancing their iridescent colors.

Water flow

A moderate water flow mimics their natural river habitat and encourages healthy swimming behavior.

Decorations and Plants

A dark substrate, driftwood, and dense plantings around the perimeter of the tank are ideal. Leave plenty of open swimming space in the center.

Diet

They are omnivorous and will readily accept high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen or live foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

Some Feeding Tips

Offer a varied diet to maintain their health and coloration. Because they are surface and mid-water feeders, ensure food doesn't sink too quickly before they can reach it.

Breeding

Breeding is possible but requires a separate breeding tank with very soft, acidic water and dim lighting. They are egg scatterers; providing a mesh bottom or dense moss allows the eggs to fall out of reach of the parents, who will eat them given the chance.

Conclusion

The Albino Congo Tetra is a mesmerizing addition to a spacious, planted community aquarium. With their peaceful demeanor, active schooling nature, and pearlescent beauty, they reward dedicated aquarists with a truly spectacular display.

Fish info

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult size: 8 cm
Life expectancy: 3-5 years
Fish type: Tetra
Temperature : 24-27°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Color Form: Clear, Pink, White, Yellow

Related on Fishs

Leave your comments

Latest on Fishs

Keyhole Cichlid (Aequidens maronii)

Moderate

South American freshwater cichlid

The fish supplied is consistent with the keyhole cichlid, commonly listed as Aequidens maronii and currently placed by many authorities in the genus Cleithracara. It is a relatively peaceful South American cichlid recognized by its dark keyhole-shaped marking, subdued body coloration and interesting parental care. A pair needs a mature, well-filtered aquarium with soft surroundings, hiding places and stable water quality. Although generally manageable, it becomes territorial while spawning and should not be kept with boisterous or fin-nipping tank mates.
Marble Gourami (Cosby Gourami), Trichopodus trichopterus

Easy - Moderate

Freshwater labyrinth fish

The marble gourami, commonly sold as the Cosby gourami, is a selectively bred color form of the three-spot gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus. It is a labyrinth fish that can breathe atmospheric air and generally occupies the upper and middle levels of a planted aquarium. This species is usually hardy, but adult males may become territorial, particularly when spawning. The supplied images show several color forms, so exact strain identification is not certain; the fish are best treated as marble or related cultivated forms of T. trichopterus.
Marble Gourami, Gold-Orange Form (Trichogaster trichopterus)

Easy - Moderate

Freshwater labyrinth fish

The marble gourami is a selectively bred color form of the three-spot gourami, a labyrinth fish from mainland and island Southeast Asia. The supplied trade label identifies these fish as a gold-orange pair, although commercial names and appearance can vary, so the exact cultivated form is not fully certain. They are generally hardy community fish, but males may become territorial, especially when spawning. Provide warm, stable water, surface access, dense planting, and gentle filtration.
Honey Gourami Gold (Trichogaster chuna)

Easy - Moderate

Small freshwater labyrinth fish

The honey gourami is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish suited to planted freshwater aquariums. The supplied source identifies a gold pair as Colisa chuna, an older name now generally treated as Trichogaster chuna. The photographs show orange-gold individuals, but sex and exact variety cannot be confirmed from the images alone. Provide gentle flow, surface access, dense cover and calm tank mates for best results.
Honey Gourami (Colisa chuna) Care Guide

Easy - Moderate

Small freshwater labyrinth fish

The honey gourami is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish from the slow-moving waters of South Asia. Aquarium specimens may be natural honey-colored fish or selectively bred red and orange forms, like those shown here. The supplied images appear consistent with honey gourami, although sex cannot be confirmed reliably from the photographs. A planted aquarium with gentle flow, surface cover, stable warm water and calm tank mates suits this species well.
Blue Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) Care Guide

Easy - Moderate

Labyrinth fish; freshwater anabantoid

The blue gourami is a hardy labyrinth fish suited to a spacious, planted community aquarium. It is the blue color form of the three-spot gourami, a species that can become territorial, particularly when males mature or spawn. Provide gentle filtration, access to warm humid air above the water, hiding places, and a varied diet. The supplied images clearly show blue gouramis, although photographs alone cannot confirm sex or verify that every pictured fish belongs to the same color form.
Giraffe Perch (Nimbochromis venustus) Care Guide

Difficult

Lake Malawi predatory haplochromine cichlid

Nimbochromis venustus is a large predatory haplochromine cichlid from Lake Malawi, known in aquariums as the giraffe perch or giraffe cichlid. Juveniles are comparatively subdued, while adults develop blue facial tones and yellow, olive or gold body coloration with darker markings. The supplied listing describes two 4 cm fish as a pair, but sex cannot be confirmed reliably at that size. This species requires a spacious, rocky aquarium and carefully selected tank mates.
Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius)

Moderate

Small freshwater labyrinth fish

The dwarf gourami is a small labyrinth fish from vegetated, slow-moving waters of South Asia. Trichogaster lalius is generally peaceful, colorful and suitable for a planted community aquarium, although males can become territorial, especially around a bubble nest. A pair needs warm, stable water, gentle circulation, surface access and plenty of cover. The supplied identification is consistent with dwarf gourami, though color varieties and sex should be confirmed by physical examination.
Five-Bar Cichlid (Neolamprologus tretocephalus)

Difficult

Lake Tanganyika rock-dwelling cichlid

The five-bar cichlid, also called the five-striped cichlid, is a robust Lake Tanganyika predator with a dark blue-gray body marked by five broad black bars. Neolamprologus tretocephalus is territorial and can become highly aggressive, particularly when spawning. It suits experienced aquarists who can provide a spacious, rock-structured aquarium, alkaline hard water, and carefully selected tank mates. The supplied label identifies this fish as a pair, but sex and exact locality cannot be confirmed from the available information.
Gardner’s Splendid Carp (Fundulopanchax gardneri)

Moderate

West African killifish

Gardner’s splendid carp is a small West African killifish valued for its iridescent body, red markings and patterned fins. The supplied image appears to show a brightly colored male, while the source identifies a pair; exact locality form and sex of every fish cannot be confirmed from the available evidence. It is generally peaceful, though males may spar, and it is best kept in a covered, mature aquarium with gentle flow, subdued lighting and abundant plant cover.
Pelvicachromis taeniatus Nigeria Red

Moderate

West African dwarf cichlid

Pelvicachromis taeniatus, commonly known as the striped krib or taeniatus cichlid, is a small West African riverine cichlid valued for its parental behavior and locality-based color variation. “Nigeria Red” identifies a trade form or collection locality rather than a separate species. The supplied source label also calls these fish emerald perch, but that common name is not a standard scientific name. This species is generally manageable for experienced beginners when provided with stable, clean water, hiding places and a carefully planned community aquarium.
Apistogramma agassizii ‘Fire Red’

Moderate

South American dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma agassizii is a small South American cichlid valued for its intricate markings, elongated fins and interesting parental behavior. “Fire Red” is a selectively bred aquarium color form rather than a separate species. The supplied listing describes a pair, although sex, locality and breeding-line identity cannot be confirmed from the available material. This species suits a mature, planted aquarium with soft, clean water, subdued lighting, cover and a fine substrate.
Cockatoo Cichlid Orange (Apistogramma cacatuoides)

Easy - Moderate

South American dwarf cichlid

The Cockatoo Cichlid is a small South American dwarf cichlid known for its elongated dorsal fin, bold facial markings and colorful orange fin forms. Apistogramma cacatuoides comes from slow-moving waters and tributaries of the upper Amazon basin, where it shelters among leaf litter, roots and submerged vegetation. It is generally manageable for an aquarist who provides soft, clean water, caves and visual barriers. The supplied listing describes an orange pair, but sex and exact form should be confirmed by the seller because photographs alone are not definitive.
Dwarf Gourami Red (Trichogaster lalius)

Easy - Moderate

Asian labyrinth fish

The red dwarf gourami is a selectively bred color form of the dwarf gourami, a small labyrinth fish formerly widely known as Colisa lalia. It is suited to mature, planted community aquariums with gentle water movement and calm tank mates. Males can be territorial, especially when kept with females in confined conditions, so cover, visual barriers, and careful observation are important for a pair.
Cockatoo Cichlid Red (Apistogramma cacatuoides)

Moderate

South American dwarf cichlid

The Cockatoo Cichlid is a small South American dwarf cichlid valued for its personality, breeding behavior and colorful finnage. Apistogramma cacatuoides is generally adaptable when provided with clean, stable water, cover and a soft substrate. Males are larger and more vividly marked than females, while pairs become territorial around spawning sites. The supplied “red” designation most likely refers to a selectively bred color form; exact strain and sex confirmation cannot be established from the listing alone.
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) Care Guide

Difficult

South American freshwater cichlid

Symphysodon aequifasciatus is a large, laterally compressed cichlid from the Amazon Basin, valued for its calm behavior and striking disc-shaped body. It requires warm, clean, stable water and careful feeding, making it better suited to experienced aquarists. The supplied images show yellow, orange, red, white and dark color forms; cultivated strains can vary considerably, so exact variety identification from images alone is uncertain. Discus are social fish and generally thrive in groups rather than as isolated specimens.