Moenkhausia costae is a small tetra native to South America, living in calm waters with moderate currents, often shaded by vegetation. The specimens on offer measure around 2-3 cm when sold and generally reach 4-5 cm as adults. It is a peaceful schooling fish, ideal for community planted aquariums.

Behaviour & maintenance

• A gregarious species: keep in groups of at least 8-10 individuals to limit stress.
• Generally peaceful fish, adapted to community tanks with other small, calm species.
• Mainly occupies the middle zone of the tank, appreciates free-swimming areas with a few plants to take refuge in.

Diet

Omnivorous: readily accepts quality flakes and pellets suitable for small characids. Regularly supplement with frozen or live food (artemia, daphnia, worms, etc.) to promote growth, vitality and colour intensity.

Water quality

• Temperature: 24-27°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• GH: 3-12 °dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Good filtration and regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Decor & environment

• Planted aquarium with shaded areas (tall plants, roots, floating leaves) and free space for swimming.
• Dark substrate and moderate lighting to reassure the bench and highlight the colours.
• Recommended volume: from 80 L for a nice group, more if other species are added.

Aquabota tip

Use gentle acclimatisation (drip feed) to avoid osmotic shock. Offer a varied diet and maintain stable water parameters: a well-maintained shoal of Moenkhausia costae will adopt a very harmonious swimming behaviour and will liven up your planted aquarium without disturbing the other occupants.