Cherry Red Congo Tetra WILD-L
The Cherry Red Congo Tetra, scientifically known as Alestopetersius brichardi, is a vibrant and striking freshwater fish native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. This species is prized for its dazzling coloration, active schooling behavior, and peaceful temperament, making it a standout addition to medium and large community aquariums.
Physically, the Cherry Red Congo Tetra features a slender, streamlined body with shimmering scales that reflect a spectrum of colors. The body is predominantly cherry red with hues of pink and orange, and its fins often display translucent highlights edged with subtle touches of red or white. Adults typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 centimeters) in length, with males being slightly larger and more vividly colored than females.
In the aquarium, Cherry Red Congo Tetras thrive in groups of six or more, as their schooling nature encourages activity and reduces stress. A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks providing more space for dynamic swimming. A naturalistic setup with a soft substrate, driftwood, and live plants helps replicate their native environment and enhances their vivid coloration.
Water parameters for Cherry Red Congo Tetras should mimic their natural habitat. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 74 to 82°F (23 to 28°C). Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to maintain clean, oxygen-rich water, as this species is sensitive to deteriorating water quality.
Feeding Cherry Red Congo Tetras is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of foods. A staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets should be supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance their coloration and vitality. Occasional offerings of vegetable-based foods or blanched spinach can also benefit their diet.
Cherry Red Congo Tetras are peaceful fish that coexist well with other non-aggressive species. They are suitable tank mates for other African tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive species that may intimidate or outcompete them.
Breeding Cherry Red Congo Tetras in captivity is possible with careful preparation. They are egg scatterers, and spawning can be encouraged by providing soft, acidic water and a breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming within a few days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely powdered fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Overall, the Cherry Red Congo Tetra (Alestopetersius brichardi) is a stunning and peaceful species that brings vibrant color and dynamic activity to freshwater aquariums. Their manageable size, adaptability, and captivating appearance make them a favorite among aquarists seeking a unique centerpiece for their tank.
The Cherry Red Congo Tetra, scientifically known as Alestopetersius brichardi, is a vibrant and striking freshwater fish native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. This species is prized for its dazzling coloration, active schooling behavior, and peaceful temperament, making it a standout addition to medium and large community aquariums.
Physically, the Cherry Red Congo Tetra features a slender, streamlined body with shimmering scales that reflect a spectrum of colors. The body is predominantly cherry red with hues of pink and orange, and its fins often display translucent highlights edged with subtle touches of red or white. Adults typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 centimeters) in length, with males being slightly larger and more vividly colored than females.
In the aquarium, Cherry Red Congo Tetras thrive in groups of six or more, as their schooling nature encourages activity and reduces stress. A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks providing more space for dynamic swimming. A naturalistic setup with a soft substrate, driftwood, and live plants helps replicate their native environment and enhances their vivid coloration.
Water parameters for Cherry Red Congo Tetras should mimic their natural habitat. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 74 to 82°F (23 to 28°C). Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to maintain clean, oxygen-rich water, as this species is sensitive to deteriorating water quality.
Feeding Cherry Red Congo Tetras is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of foods. A staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets should be supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance their coloration and vitality. Occasional offerings of vegetable-based foods or blanched spinach can also benefit their diet.
Cherry Red Congo Tetras are peaceful fish that coexist well with other non-aggressive species. They are suitable tank mates for other African tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive species that may intimidate or outcompete them.
Breeding Cherry Red Congo Tetras in captivity is possible with careful preparation. They are egg scatterers, and spawning can be encouraged by providing soft, acidic water and a breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming within a few days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely powdered fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Overall, the Cherry Red Congo Tetra (Alestopetersius brichardi) is a stunning and peaceful species that brings vibrant color and dynamic activity to freshwater aquariums. Their manageable size, adaptability, and captivating appearance make them a favorite among aquarists seeking a unique centerpiece for their tank.
The Cherry Red Congo Tetra, scientifically known as Alestopetersius brichardi, is a vibrant and striking freshwater fish native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. This species is prized for its dazzling coloration, active schooling behavior, and peaceful temperament, making it a standout addition to medium and large community aquariums.
Physically, the Cherry Red Congo Tetra features a slender, streamlined body with shimmering scales that reflect a spectrum of colors. The body is predominantly cherry red with hues of pink and orange, and its fins often display translucent highlights edged with subtle touches of red or white. Adults typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 centimeters) in length, with males being slightly larger and more vividly colored than females.
In the aquarium, Cherry Red Congo Tetras thrive in groups of six or more, as their schooling nature encourages activity and reduces stress. A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended for a small group, with larger tanks providing more space for dynamic swimming. A naturalistic setup with a soft substrate, driftwood, and live plants helps replicate their native environment and enhances their vivid coloration.
Water parameters for Cherry Red Congo Tetras should mimic their natural habitat. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 74 to 82°F (23 to 28°C). Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to maintain clean, oxygen-rich water, as this species is sensitive to deteriorating water quality.
Feeding Cherry Red Congo Tetras is straightforward, as they are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of foods. A staple diet of high-quality flakes or pellets should be supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance their coloration and vitality. Occasional offerings of vegetable-based foods or blanched spinach can also benefit their diet.
Cherry Red Congo Tetras are peaceful fish that coexist well with other non-aggressive species. They are suitable tank mates for other African tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive species that may intimidate or outcompete them.
Breeding Cherry Red Congo Tetras in captivity is possible with careful preparation. They are egg scatterers, and spawning can be encouraged by providing soft, acidic water and a breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. After spawning, the adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming within a few days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely powdered fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Overall, the Cherry Red Congo Tetra (Alestopetersius brichardi) is a stunning and peaceful species that brings vibrant color and dynamic activity to freshwater aquariums. Their manageable size, adaptability, and captivating appearance make them a favorite among aquarists seeking a unique centerpiece for their tank.
