Costae tetra

Moenkhausia costae

A dark diagonal stripe leads into the upper tail lobe

The black marking slopes from the anal-fin base towards the upper tail lobe. Follow its direction to distinguish other silver, black-tailed tetras.

Natural habitat: Native to the São Francisco and Itapicuru river systems in Brazil.

Active, and may nip long fins. Very small fish and shrimp may be eaten.

Appearance and identification

The penguin tetra's dark lateral band turns into the lower tail lobe instead. A red-eye tetra has a broad dark tail-base band and a red upper iris.

Keep at least ten. A group does not guarantee an end to fin nipping or permanent tight schooling.

At least 80 cm of tank length. Keep a continuous swimming route.

Offer suitably sized flakes or pellets with small live or frozen foods. Make sure companions are not shut out during rapid feeding.

Check swimming activity, fin shape and prey size for each companion.

Plants around the back and sides give cover beside open swimming space. Small shrimp may be eaten.

Sources