African tetra that likes current

[james99]

I need a school of tetras or barbs for my congo river tank. I currently have buffalo head cichlids as the only inhabitants of a 55 gallon. I also plan on adding some congo garras that I see the wet spot has right now. I've had congo tetras before, but I'm not sure if they are more from still water or places with alot of movement. I'm going to be adding alot more water movement once I find all of the fish. Any suggestions?

 

[Deadeye]

Congo tetras are from slower areas, but I’m sure they would do fine with high current as well.

 

[kno4te]

Personally like the African red eye tetras and comes from areas with current. Not sure about Congo tetras as they seem so be built for no or low current.

 

[Deadeye]

I was going to suggest red eyes, but I’ve read that they are very hard to find, most red eyes for sale are the American ones.

 

[FishEZ]

I have both barbs and Congo Tetras. I do not suggest the Congo tetras for the higher current, some current is OK, but what I would really recommend with the cichlids are any of the Dawkinsia barbs. I think that Black-Spot barbs (Dawkinsia filamentosa) would be readily available. I've seen them advertised here and there by the Wet Spot. But any Dawkinsia would be a good choice. They are a fast moving barb and do GREAT in a shoal. I would recommend the filamentosa, rohani or any of them that you can get your hands on. Each have their own special features. I have a unlisted video of the ones I have at the moment if you'd like to take a peak here: Dawkinsia rohani

 

[james99]

I have both barbs and Congo Tetras. I do not suggest the Congo tetras for the higher current, some current is OK, but what I would really recommend with the cichlids are any of the Dawkinsia barbs. I think that Black-Spot barbs (Dawkinsia filamentosa) would be readily available. I've seen them advertised here and there by the Wet Spot. But any Dawkinsia would be a good choice. They are a fast moving barb and do GREAT in a shoal. I would recommend the filamentosa, rohani or any of them that you can get your hands on. Each have their own special features. I have a unlisted video of the ones I have at the moment if you'd like to take a peak here: Dawkinsia rohani

I'm looking for a tetra that will be biotope correct, or atleast close. Also I love the larger barbs, I have 12 mascara barbs at the moment with a 125 all to themselves.

 

[kno4te]

I was going to suggest red eyes, but I’ve read that they are very hard to find, most red eyes for sale are the American ones.

Seen them pop up on the wetspot stock list. Gotta keep watch. But yes limited usually.

 

[james99]

Seen them pop up on the wetspot stock list. Gotta keep watch. But yes limited usually.

They are actually on there now, along with alot of Alestes types. I must have overlooked them when I was going through their tetra list last night. I mainly want to get stuff thats more suited for alot of water flow and not be stressed constantly fighting to not get tossed around.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Brycinus longipinnus are a favorite of mine. A bit more subtle in color, but about the same size as congos. They are constant movers which to me indicates they would enjoy lots of flow.

 

[the_deeb]

If you can find them, Raiamas christyi (aka Coppernose barbs) would be a great option for a high current Congo biotope.

Edit: missed that you were looking to stock a 55g. That’s probably not big enough for these guys - they get to ~6” and are super active. Still an awesome fish for a larger Congo river tank.