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Costae tetra

Moenkhausia costae

Also known as Blackline moenkhausia, Blackline tail tetra, Black line tail tetra

FreshwaterFish
Costae tetra (Moenkhausia costae)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
2.8 in (7 cm)
Minimum tank
29 gal (110 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Origin
São Francisco and Itapicuru basins, Brazil
Family
Characidae

Overview

A hardy schooling tetra that suits harder water than most of its relatives, which makes it useful in tanks where the tap water is not soft. Keep eight or more in a 110 liter tank with open swimming space and some planting. It is peaceful, active and completely undemanding about food, taking flake, granules and frozen fare. A good choice for a robust community rather than a delicate blackwater display.

In the wild

Moenkhausia costae lives in the São Francisco and Itapicuru basins of eastern Brazil, drainages that run harder and more neutral than the Amazon. Keep it at 22 to 28 degrees Celsius and pH 6.0 to 7.5, with open water and moderate flow.

Good to know

Moenkhausia costae reaches about 7 centimeters and carries a black stripe running the length of the body into the tail, with a yellow wash above it. It is an egg-scattering, non-guarding spawner. Its eastern Brazilian drainages hold a distinct fish fauna from the Amazon, which is why its water preferences differ from most aquarium tetras.

Did you know

Its tail blade flicks like a signal flag; Brazilian keepers call the look swordtail-tetra without any sword.

Tank mates

Costae tetra is a peaceful, schooling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Costae tetra need?

A Costae tetra needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH do Costae tetra need?

Costae tetra are comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big do Costae tetra get?

An adult Costae tetra reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).

Do Costae tetra need a group?

Yes. Costae tetra are a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Tetras · Beginner fish · Schooling fish · Community fish

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