Costello Tetra

Hemigrammus hyanuary

Costello 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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Need help with Costello Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: 2–15 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: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6–7, GH 2–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Costello 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, Costello Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer fine dry flakes/granules and small live/frozen invertebrates.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 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: Peru, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

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

Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 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) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Flash Glass Tetra Heterocharax virgulatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Costello Tetra get?

Costello Tetra reaches ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm).

What aquarium size does Costello Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Costello Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Costello 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 Costello Tetra?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.

Should Costello Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Costello Tetra: Keep in a school of at least 6.