Blackline Tail Tetra (Moenkhausia costae)

The Blackline Tail Tetra (Moenkhausia costae), also known as the Costae Tetra, is an active, peaceful freshwater schooling fish native to the river basins of Brazil and South America. Admired for its shimmering metallic silver body and a distinct black stripe running through the midsection to its tail fin, it is a hardy addition to planted community aquariums.

Care and Maintenance

Social Behavior: They are active shoaling fish that must be kept in groups of at least 6 to 8 individuals to minimize stress, prevent fin-nipping, and encourage natural synchronized swimming.

Tank Setup: Replicate their natural shaded, vegetation-rich river habitats using a dark substrate, live plants (like Java Fern or Anubias), and pieces of driftwood. Use a secure lid, as these active swimmers are known to jump.

Diet: As omnivores, they accept high-quality Aquatic Arts staples like micro-pellets and flakes, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

Tank Mates: Safe to house with other peaceful community fish, including smaller tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and bottom-dwelling Corydoras catfish. Avoid large, aggressive species or fish with long, elaborate fins.