Black Line Tetra

The black line tetra, also called the costae tetra, is finally available to the aquarium trade. Discovered in Brazil in 1902, these fish feature a very broad, bold black line along the base of the tail and a solid light-colored body. In schools the black lines create a confusing on-and-off pattern, which may be an evolutionary survival trait. Once rare and wild-caught in Brazil, these tetras are now captive-bred in Indonesia.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them plants along the back and sides, open swimming space in front and a dark substrate, which brings out their color. Keep a lid on the tank, since tetras can jump.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They get along with most peaceful community fish of similar size, such as other tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, gouramis and livebearers.

Good to know: Tetras feel safer and show better color in a group. A larger school also spreads out any chasing.