Finally we were able to organize an import from the Congo once more. This time the shipment contained very nice Red-Backed Congo Tetras (Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus). Generally speaking this species can be rather easily distinguished from other species of the genus; but due to one confusion in the aquarium literature it is almost impossible to clarify this in the trade. In hobby literature B. caudimaculatus has been determined as Phenacogrammus breuseghemi. That species really exists, it also originates from the Congo and is also now placed in Bathyaethiops, but it looks different. The caudal spot of the real B. breuseghemi is much smaller than the caudal spot of B. caudomaculatus. In the real B. breuseghemi that spot covers only half of the height of the caudal peduncle, so above and below the spot the regular silver color of the body is visible. Sadly the Red-Backed Congo Tetra is imported only very rarely. So we had to use also the name "Phenacogrammus breuseghemi" on our stocklist despite we know it better. To make confusion complete: B. altus is most often illustrated under the name of B. caudomaculatus.

 

 

For our customers: the fish have code 158303 (lg) and 158304 (xlg, photos) on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer