The Costae Tetra is a small, peaceful freshwater fish from the Rio Madeira basin in South America. It features a silvery body with a subtle bluish-green sheen and a faint dark lateral line, making it an attractive schooling fish for community aquariums. Its calm nature and small size make it ideal for planted tanks.
Care Summary
Temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH
Tank Size: Minimum 60 L for a small school
Schooling: Keep 6 or more; very social and active
Temperament: Peaceful; compatible with other small community fish
Diet: Omnivore — flakes, micro pellets, frozen or live foods (daphnia, bloodworms)
Tank Setup: Planted tank with open swimming space, moderate lighting, and gentle water flow
Breeding: Egg scatterer; adults do not guard eggs, so provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops