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Large congo tetra (Phenacogrammus major) — Alestidae

Large congo tetra

Phenacogrammus major
Family: Alestidae
LC · Least Concern

The Large congo tetra (Phenacogrammus major) is a freshwater fish of the family Alestidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Phenacogrammus major is a small African characin (family Alestidae) of the Congo basin, related to the well-known Congo tetra. The species reaches about 10 cm and has a slender, silvery body with sometimes yellow or iridescent accents. It lives in schools in rivers and streams and feeds on small invertebrates, insects and plant matter. Because of their attractive colours related species are popular in the aquarium hobby. Owing to its small size the species is of no fishery value and is harmless to humans. Little is known in detail about its reproduction.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Large congo tetra?

The Large congo tetra has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Large congo tetra live?

The Large congo tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Large congo tetra get?

The Large congo tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Large congo tetra dangerous to humans?

No, the Large congo tetra is harmless to humans.

Is the Large congo tetra edible?

The Large congo tetra is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grote Congotetra sourced
English name
Large congo tetra sourced
Scientific name
Phenacogrammus major
Family
Alestidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Phenacogrammus

More from the family Alestidae

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