Phenacogrammus aurantiacus

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Phenacogrammus aurantiacus, also known as the Blue Eye Congo Tetra, is a small African alestid prized for its glowing eyes and golden coloration. Native to the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it remains a very rare presence in the aquarium trade. Its slender body, schooling behaviour and quick movements make it an attractive fish for a spacious, mature and well-covered aquarium. This wild-collected species benefits from careful acclimation, soft and stable water, and a varied diet. It is offered exclusively by Ton.Fish in Canada, subject to the availability of incoming shipments.

General description

Phenacogrammus aurantiacus is a small freshwater fish from the family Alestidae, a group that includes several African tetras. It should be kept in a school and shows its best colours in an aquarium with good swimming length, subdued lighting and areas of plant cover. Its temperament is generally peaceful, but its active nature makes it best suited to a community aquarium with calm fish of comparable size. Available specimens are wild collected, so gradual acclimation, quarantine and readily accepted foods are especially important. Its very rare status in the trade makes it a fish for aquarists who appreciate uncommon African species.

Geographic origin and biotope

The species comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, within the extensive Congo Basin. It is associated with tropical freshwater habitats where streamside vegetation, branches and shaded areas provide cover for open-water fish. Like several Congo Basin alestids, it is suited to soft, lightly mineralized and well-oxygenated water that is slightly acidic to neutral. In the aquarium, aim for 24 to 28 °C, a pH around 6.0 to 7.2 and filtration that provides steady movement without excessive current. Roots, plants and open swimming areas provide a more suitable setting than a brightly lit aquarium without shelter.

Precise location and local name

Phenacogrammus aurantiacus is associated with inland waters of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, within the Congo drainage basin. The information commonly used in the aquarium hobby does not associate the species with a widely used Congolese vernacular name. The commercial name Blue Eye Congo Tetra instead refers to its appearance and regional origin. The exact source of a shipment may vary between collections, so any collection data supplied with the fish should be preserved, especially for such a rare species. In practice, these details help aquarists select water conditions, décor and tank mates that are more consistent with its native environment.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Phenacogrammus aurantiacus has an elongated, laterally compressed body, typical of African tetras. Its overall colour ranges from silvery to golden, with warm highlights that become more visible once the fish is fully acclimated. Its most distinctive feature is the bright blue eye, which stands out especially under subdued lighting. The fins may show yellowish or orange tones, while the body retains a translucent metallic sheen. Adult males tend to be slimmer and more strongly coloured; females are often deeper-bodied when carrying eggs. The adult size is modest, but a school creates a much stronger visual effect than a solitary specimen.

General feeding

Phenacogrammus aurantiacus is an opportunistic omnivore that usually accepts quality dry foods, although its diet should be varied. A base of small pellets or finely crushed flakes can be supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae. Offer small meals once or twice daily, in amounts consumed quickly. For freshly imported, wild-collected fish, frozen or live foods can help during the transition to aquarium feeding. A varied diet supports body condition, colour and spawning readiness while reducing uneaten food that can quickly affect water quality.

Essential data

• River of origin: Congo Basin
• Local name used: Blue Eye Congo Tetra
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus name Phenacogrammus and the specific epithet aurantiacus
• Full-name etymology: Phenacogrammus refers to a deceptive-looking pattern or line; aurantiacus means orange-coloured
• Common/vernacular names: Blue Eye Congo Tetra; Blue-Eyed Congo Tetra
• Family: Alestidae
• Subfamily: Alestinae
• Name pronunciation: fee nack oh GRAM moos - aw ran tee AH koos
• Discovery: Max Poll, 1967
• Maximum adult size: About 6 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.2
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Tropical soft water, shaded areas, roots, branches and streamside vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Alestopetersius brichardi, Brycinus longipinnis, Phenacogrammus interruptus, Synodontis nigriventris
• Temperament and behaviour: Peaceful, schooling, active and primarily an open-water swimmer
• Water depth: Shallow to medium-depth stream areas
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are slimmer and often more colourful; females are fuller-bodied
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand or fine substrate, plant debris and low to moderate flow

For greater success

To keep Phenacogrammus aurantiacus successfully, provide a mature, well-covered aquarium that is long enough for schooling and active swimming. Maintain soft, stable and well-oxygenated water, add roots and plants to reduce direct light, and offer a varied diet. Because this is a very rare, wild-collected species, quarantine and slow acclimation are essential. Keep it with peaceful fish of similar size and avoid boisterous or predatory tank mates. At Ton.Fish, this species is offered exclusively in Canada according to availability.