Black Stripe Tetra 3.5cm

Black Stripe Tetra

The black stripe tetra is a stunning, uniquely coloured tetra that would be the perfect way of adding some life and gentle movement to an aquarium. These small fish are fairly easy to take care of and aside from being a great community fish, black stripe tetras are also fantastic to keep in a species-only aquarium. They really aren't a common species in the Australian aquarium trade either which makes them a great collector’s species. Black stripe tetras are elegantly simple in their beauty, their body colour is split between a beautiful rusty orange hue lower half and the upper half sporting purples, blues, and yellows that all blend in together.

This is divided by a jet-black line that runs from nose to tail. The tail section has additional red hues for added contrast. The wide and stocky body of this species makes them look quite close to something like an emperor tetra, yet these fish have their very own special beauty. Naturally these fish come from blackwater streams, thriving among the dense vegetation and tannin-stained waters, making them ideal for aquascapes that emulate these environments. The relaxed and elegant nature of these fish also makes them the perfect complementary species for high-tech planted aquascapes.

Breeding black stripe tetras is doable in captivity as these fish breed just like any other tetra species. Females tend to be rounder than males in body shape, the easiest way of breeding them is to get a group of 6 or more and add them into a dedicated breeding aquarium with plentiful amounts of moss or a spawning mop. After feeding these fish a high protein diet and giving them clean water they should spawn readily, from here they can be removed, and the fry can be allowed to rise.

Tank Recommendations for your Black Stripe Tetra
Being a very small and relatively easy to care for fish the black stripe tetras can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 60-litre system. These fish can be kept in a very affordable aquarium setting as well with just a simple sponge filter, low-power lighting, some moss, and simple decor. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these tetras as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium to swim out in the open. Black stripe tetras are softwater fish meaning they require a low PH. They can be kept in PH as low as 6 and will even look stunning in a black water aquarium setting.

Suitable Tank Buddies
The black stripe tetras are an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression at all. They may be quite shy which is why it is recommended to keep them in relatively large schools. They can also be shy and slow which is why it is better to avoid larger fast-moving fish.

Usually Compatible
Black stripe tetras, emperor tetras, plecos, corydoras, shrimp Bolivian rams, and other small community fish.

Sometimes Compatible
Black stripe tetras can be a relatively slow fish so any fin-nipping species or fish that may outcompete them for food such as giant danios, tiger barbs, angelfish or torpedo barbs.

Rarely Compatible
Large and aggressive species such as rainbow sharks, Raphael catfish, larger mouthed community fish may prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Black Stripe Tetra
Black stripe tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp.