Blackline Tetra Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Blackline Tetra is a small, elegant characin with a silvery to translucent body crossed by a strong dark lateral stripe. Its subtle colouring is enhanced by delicate fins and a streamlined shape, giving the species a refined appearance rather than the vivid contrast seen in some brightly coloured tetras.

Naturally sociable, Blackline Tetras spend much of their time moving through the middle levels of the water in coordinated groups. They are active without being boisterous, and a settled shoal often displays interesting changes in formation as individual fish explore and regroup.

In the wild, this species inhabits quiet tributaries, flooded forest margins and tannin-stained waters where overhanging vegetation filters the sunlight. Leaf litter, submerged roots and gentle currents create a complex environment in which the fish can feed and seek shelter.

Hyphessobrycon scholzei is a peaceful community fish that is sometimes overlooked in favour of more colourful tetras. Its restrained pattern, calm nature and natural shoaling behaviour make it an appealing choice for aquarists who enjoy observing the social behaviour of small characins.

Blackline Tetras are native to northern South America, particularly slow-moving and forested waters of the lower Amazon region in Brazil. They are associated with tributaries, flooded forest habitats and other shaded freshwater environments.

A group of Blackline Tetras should have at least 60 litres of water, with a footprint of around 60 x 30 cm or larger. Use open swimming space through the centre of the aquarium, combined with dense planting, floating cover, roots and branches around the edges to provide shade and security. A dark sand or fine-gravel substrate suits their appearance, while leaf litter and subdued lighting can recreate the atmosphere of their forest-stream habitat. Gentle filtration and some water movement are appropriate, provided the fish are not forced to swim against a strong current.

Adults reach a maximum of about 4 cm (1.6 inches) in length. Females are usually slightly larger and deeper-bodied than males, particularly when carrying eggs.

Blackline Tetras are omnivores that readily accept quality small flakes, micro pellets and granules. Their diet should be varied with small frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and mosquito larvae, offered in portions they can consume quickly. Fine foods are particularly useful for smaller specimens and help bring out their condition and natural behaviour.

Blackline Tetras are peaceful community fish and can be kept with other similarly sized, non-aggressive tetras, rasboras, danios, pencilfish, Corydoras, small peaceful loaches and gentle dwarf gouramis. They may also live alongside suitable small South American cichlids when the aquarium is spacious and well structured. Avoid large predatory fish, boisterous species and fin-nippers, which may stress them or regard them as prey.

Blackline Tetras are egg-scattering species that can be bred in a separate, dimly lit aquarium with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Condition males and females with plenty of small live or frozen foods, then introduce them when the females are full of eggs. Spawning usually takes place among the plants, after which the adults should be removed because they may eat the eggs. The eggs hatch in roughly one to two days, and the tiny fry can initially be fed infusoria or a suitable liquid fry food before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Females tend to be fuller-bodied and somewhat larger, while males are generally slimmer and may have a more intense, sharply defined dark lateral stripe. The differences are most noticeable when mature females are in breeding condition.