Cherry Red Congo Tetra

About

A rarely traded African characin from the Congo basin, Alestopetersius brichardi goes by the trade names 'cherry red Congo tetra' or 'super red Congo tetra' and is occasionally mislabeled under the names of related species. It hails from a stretch of central DRC waterways including Pool Malebo, the middle Congo, the Ruki drainage, and the Lomami River. Environments that give you a good hint about what this fish expects in a home aquarium. Adult males develop noticeably extended central caudal-fin rays and carry a broad, dark lateral stripe that runs from behind the eye all the way to the tip of that elongated tail. A useful ID feature that sets them apart from close relatives. Females are plainer but still attractive. In a group, males will regularly spar and posture for rank and female attention, showing their best color while doing so, which makes keeping a proper-sized school genuinely rewarding to watch. Aim for at least eight to ten fish, ideally a mix of both sexes. The species is peaceful and fits well in a larger community alongside similarly-sized Congo basin fishes, though it can be a bit skittish if kept in smaller numbers. Altogether a forgiving choice for newer keepers who want a schooling fish with some real personality.