Congo, Emperor & Diamond Tetras

[Elisabeth83]

Ok I've just spent ages going through countless web-sites looking at all the different tetras that I'd like to keep in my 30 gallon along with my new pair of kribs. I've narrowed it down to 3 that I think are truely gorgeous!! The Congo tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus), the Diamond tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri), and the Emperor tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

So question is would it be best to only keep one species in with my kribs or could I get away with keeping two of these together? Eg: congos with emperors, diamonds with emperors? A group of say 5 each?

Congos get to about 3 inches, Diamonds get to about 2.5 inches and Emperors get to about 2 inches.

Thanks

 

[smithrc]

I'd say congos get bigger than that - we've got 6 in our tank downstairs and I'd say 1 or 2 are getting on for 4"

A group of 5 of them would be max for a 30 gallon and you'd need stick to your stocking plan with just the pair of kribs (we are useless at sticking to our plans )

 

[Briarmoor]

I saw some absolutely lovely Congo tetras in the display tank at my LFS. They were quite large, one or 2 at least 4". Have no idea if that is rare or not. The males had beautiful finnage.

I just saw Diamond tetras today and thought they looked nice, even in the small tank they were in at the pet store. Once they were permanently housed and non-stressed, I bet they would be something else.

Not familiar really with the Emporers, seen them a few times but not paid attention. And I've never kept any of these myself, just commenting on their looks.

P.

 

[Elisabeth83]

Hmmm so maybe the congos will get too big for my tank? 4 inches is pretty big They sure are pretty fish though. The diamond tetras I saw some the other day and thought they were beautiful. I think their little "diamonds" sparkle more with age?

Maybe I should just try getting like 5 of the emperors and 5 of the diamonds and see how it goes?

 

[annka5]

Ooh, I think you're better getting one or the other really, because a bigger shoal will look far more impressive and appealing than 2 smaller ones. The fish will swim at the same level in the tank, so making it look cluttered.. just my opinion though, and more aesthetic than fish care.
Also, am sure shoaling fish feel better the more of them are in a shoal.

 

[Elisabeth83]

Ooh, I think you're better getting one or the other really, because a bigger shoal will look far more impressive and appealing than 2 smaller ones. The fish will swim at the same level in the tank, so making it look cluttered.. just my opinion though, and more aesthetic than fish care.
Also, am sure shoaling fish feel better the more of them are in a shoal.

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Yeah I think your right! I was thinking the same thing last night. I guess I'm just having a hard time choosing what I want ) All 3 are so nice!!

 

[annka5]

I'm totally rubbish at deciding too, particualrly when I like them all!!!
I'd go for the sit-and-watch-them-at-the-LFS option until either (a) you can make up your mind, or (B) they throw you out/ call the men in white coats....

 

[Elisabeth83]

Gosh I know, I could hardly sleep last night my mind was going over and over what one would be best

I went to my lfs and decided to get 5 emperor tetras. They say they really arn't shoaling fish though Maybe I could get a smaller shoaling fish too like black neon tetras?

Right now in the tank which is a 30 gallon I've got a pair of kribs and 5 emperor tetras.

I'm a little worried though because some sites I've read say emperor tetras swim at the top and middle of the tank and other sites say they like the bottom. If they like the bottom I don't think they will like it for long as the kribs will scare them away.

 

[Elisabeth83]

I just found out apparently I bought Inpaichthys kerri which is commonly mistaken as an emperor tetra.

I can't find much information on it though

This is all I can find http/www.petresources.net/fish/characin/inp_ker.html

and this http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di....cfm?pCatId=907