Blackline Tail Tetra

Moenkhausia costae

Blackline Tail Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 6.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of at least 6Beginner – Intermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–18 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 6

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–18 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Blackline Tail Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Blackline Tail Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 6.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bandtail Tetra Moenkhausia dichroura Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bela Adormecida Tetra Moenkhausia bellasomniosa Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Blackline Tail Tetra get?

Blackline Tail Tetra reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Blackline Tail Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.

Is Blackline Tail Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Blackline Tail Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Blackline Tail Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Blackline Tail Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Blackline Tail Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 6.