Fantastic Congo Tetra (Wild) (Phenacogrammus sp. “Fantastique” ) Medium - Aquarium Glaser
Phenacogrammus sp. “Fantastique” is an undescribed or unidentified species (or possibly a local form of P. deheyni) within the African tetra family Alestidae. It is prized in the aquarium hobby for its extraordinary red‑orange coloration, especially in mature males.
Origin & Habitat
- Region: Central Congo Basin (Republic of the Congo / DRC)
-
Wild habitat:
- Shallow, forest streams
- Dark “cola‑colored” blackwater
- Heavy leaf litter, roots, and overhanging vegetation
- Collection status: Rare and sporadic due to political instability and logistics in the region
Appearance
- Size: ~6–8 cm (2.5–3 in)
- Body: Slender, torpedo‑shaped
-
Color (males):
- Intense red, orange, and gold tones
- Black middle rays on the caudal fin
- Extended, filament‑like tail rays in large males
- Distinct marker: Small white spot on the adipose fin
- Females: Less colorful, rounder body, shorter fins
Males only show full coloration after long acclimation in stable, calm aquariums.
Scientific Status (Why the Name Is Confusing)
- Not yet formally described in scientific literature
- Often compared with:
- Phenacogrammus deheyni
- Phenacogrammus concolor
- Because live coloration of P. concolor is unknown, the aquarium trade continues using “Phenacogrammus sp. Fantastique” as a placeholder name
Aquarium Care
Difficulty: Intermediate
Sensitivity: High during acclimation
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank: 30–40 gallons (bigger is better)
- Group size: 8–12+ (shoaling species)
-
Aquascape:
- Dim lighting
- Driftwood & roots
- Leaf litter (Indian almond, oak, beech)
- Open swimming space
Water parameters (ideal)
- Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- pH: 6.0–6.8 (soft, slightly acidic preferred)
- Hardness: Soft water recommended
- Flow: Gentle to moderate
Stable parameters matter more than chasing exact numbers.
Diet
Omnivorous, but thrives on variety:
- High‑quality flakes/pellets
- Frozen: bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops
- Live foods strongly enhance male coloration and condition
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Description
Phenacogrammus sp. “Fantastique” is an undescribed or unidentified species (or possibly a local form of P. deheyni) within the African tetra family Alestidae. It is prized in the aquarium hobby for its extraordinary red‑orange coloration, especially in mature males.
Origin & Habitat
- Region: Central Congo Basin (Republic of the Congo / DRC)
-
Wild habitat:
- Shallow, forest streams
- Dark “cola‑colored” blackwater
- Heavy leaf litter, roots, and overhanging vegetation
- Collection status: Rare and sporadic due to political instability and logistics in the region
Appearance
- Size: ~6–8 cm (2.5–3 in)
- Body: Slender, torpedo‑shaped
-
Color (males):
- Intense red, orange, and gold tones
- Black middle rays on the caudal fin
- Extended, filament‑like tail rays in large males
- Distinct marker: Small white spot on the adipose fin
- Females: Less colorful, rounder body, shorter fins
Males only show full coloration after long acclimation in stable, calm aquariums.
Scientific Status (Why the Name Is Confusing)
- Not yet formally described in scientific literature
- Often compared with:
- Phenacogrammus deheyni
- Phenacogrammus concolor
- Because live coloration of P. concolor is unknown, the aquarium trade continues using “Phenacogrammus sp. Fantastique” as a placeholder name
Aquarium Care
Difficulty: Intermediate
Sensitivity: High during acclimation
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank: 30–40 gallons (bigger is better)
- Group size: 8–12+ (shoaling species)
-
Aquascape:
- Dim lighting
- Driftwood & roots
- Leaf litter (Indian almond, oak, beech)
- Open swimming space
Water parameters (ideal)
- Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- pH: 6.0–6.8 (soft, slightly acidic preferred)
- Hardness: Soft water recommended
- Flow: Gentle to moderate
Stable parameters matter more than chasing exact numbers.
Diet
Omnivorous, but thrives on variety:
- High‑quality flakes/pellets
- Frozen: bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops
- Live foods strongly enhance male coloration and condition
