{"product_id":"costae-tetra-or-blackline-tetra-moenkhausia-costae","title":"Costae Tetra or Blackline Tetra (Moenkhausia costae)","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eAdd a touch of sophisticated movement to your aquarium with the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"64\"\u003eCostae Tetra\u003c\/b\u003e (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"78\"\u003eMoenkhausia costae\u003c\/i\u003e), also frequently known as the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"128\"\u003eBlackline Tetra\u003c\/b\u003e or \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"147\"\u003eFortune Tetra\u003c\/b\u003e. Distinguished by its sleek silver body and a bold, deep-black horizontal stripe that extends through the lower lobe of the tail fin, this species is a standout choice for hobbyists seeking an active, schooling fish with a unique silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003ePlace of Origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Costae Tetra is native to South America, specifically the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"62\"\u003eSão Francisco and Itapicuru River basins in Brazil\u003c\/b\u003e. They are typically found in large schools within clear to slightly turbid river channels and floodplains, where they navigate through driftwood and aquatic vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eCare Level \u0026amp; Environment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Easy to Moderate. They are hardy fish but thrive best in well-maintained environments with consistent water parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/b\u003e They are adaptable but prefer slightly alkaline to neutral water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003epH:\u003c\/b\u003e 6.5 - 7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/b\u003e 5 - 15 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAquarium Setup:\u003c\/b\u003e To best display the Blackline Tetra, provide a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"63\"\u003elong aquarium\u003c\/b\u003e with plenty of open swimming space. A landscape featuring a dark substrate, river stones, and hardy plants like \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"189\"\u003eVallisneria\u003c\/i\u003e or \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"204\"\u003eEchinodorus\u003c\/i\u003e(Amazon Swords) mimics their natural riverine habitat. Using driftwood branches can provide a natural aesthetic while offering minor retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eBecause the Costae Tetra is a powerful and energetic swimmer, they require more lateral space than smaller tetra species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"19\"\u003e30 to 40 gallons\u003c\/b\u003e is recommended for a small school.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSchooling Requirements:\u003c\/b\u003e To see their natural behavior and reduce stress, they should be kept in groups of at least \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"115\"\u003e6 to 10 individuals\u003c\/b\u003e. In larger groups, their synchronized schooling behavior is truly impressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMoenkhausia costae\u003c\/i\u003e is an unfussy omnivore with a high metabolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eStaple Diet:\u003c\/b\u003e High-quality dry flakes or small floating pellets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLive\/Frozen Foods:\u003c\/b\u003e They will show improved color and vigor if supplemented with brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFeeding Tip:\u003c\/b\u003e They are top-to-middle dwellers and are very fast during feeding time, so ensure that slower bottom-dwelling tank mates are also receiving food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003eThe Costae Tetra is a peaceful but very active fish. Their speed can sometimes startle very slow-moving or shy species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal Tank Mates:\u003c\/b\u003e Similarly sized tetras, Rainbowfish, larger Rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful South American Cichlids like Geophagus or Blue Rams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/b\u003e Very small shrimp (which may be seen as food) or extremely long-finned, slow fish that might be bothered by the Costae’s fast-paced swimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eBreeding Costae Tetras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eBreeding \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"9\"\u003eMoenkhausia costae\u003c\/i\u003e in the home aquarium is considered a challenge but is possible for the dedicated breeder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/b\u003e Condition a group with high-quality live foods. Use a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a mesh bottom or \"spawning grass\" to protect the eggs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpawning:\u003c\/b\u003e They are egg-scatterers. Morning sunlight often triggers spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFry Care:\u003c\/b\u003e Adults must be removed immediately after eggs are laid. The fry will hatch in 24–36 hours and will require infusoria or specialized liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept baby brine shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe photos shown on fish product pages are representations of adult fish and are NOT the actual fish that you will be receiving.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease visit our “Ordering\/Shipping fish” page prior to checking out to familiarize yourself with our process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e⁃\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWe ship fish exclusively using overnight shipping with either FedEx or UPS. We will not ship fish with lesser expensive shipping services like “Ground” or “Priority Mail”. This is to ensure the safety of the fish.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KGTropicals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40956387655744,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1478\/2240\/files\/InstagramPost-35.png?v=1776956970","url":"https:\/\/keepfishkeeping.com\/products\/costae-tetra-or-blackline-tetra-moenkhausia-costae","provider":"KGTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}