Black Line Tetra Care Guide
Hyphessobrycon scholzei · Freshwater Fish
What Black Line Tetra look like
Hyphessobrycon scholzei, commonly known as the Black Line Tetra, exhibits a laterally compressed, fusiform body that typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2 inches (5 cm). The species is characterized by a striking silver body adorned with a prominent, clean black horizontal stripe that extends from behind the eye to the caudal fin, serving as its most distinguishing morphological feature. The dorsal region above the stripe displays a lustrous silver-golden sheen, enhancing its visual appeal. Sexual dimorphism is subtle, with females generally being slightly larger and rounder than males, particularly during the breeding season when they become more pronounced in body shape. Defensive adaptations include a schooling behavior that provides safety in numbers, and the presence of a well-developed lateral line system that aids in detecting movement and vibrations in the water. The fin structure includes a forked caudal fin and a single dorsal fin, which is typically adorned with a few soft rays, contributing to its agile swimming capabilities.
Behavior & temperament
The Black Line Tetra is a social fish that thrives in groups, exhibiting a strong tendency to form schools in the mid to upper water column of its aquatic environment. This species is generally peaceful and exhibits a calm temperament, making it suitable for community tanks. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving streams and rivers in South America, where they display a preference for densely vegetated areas. Breeding behavior is characterized by egg scattering, where females release eggs among plants, and males fertilize them externally. The species does not exhibit parental care post-spawning, which is typical of many characins. Their social hierarchy is relatively egalitarian, with no pronounced dominance behaviors observed among individuals within a school.
Diet & feeding
In their natural habitat, Black Line Tetras are omnivorous, feeding on a varied diet that includes small invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. In captivity, they thrive on a balanced diet comprising high-quality flake food, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia to ensure optimal health and coloration.
Behind the name
Hyphessobrycon (from Greek 'hyphessos' meaning 'to be under' and 'brycon' meaning 'a type of fish'); scholzei (named in honor of the German zoologist Hermann Schlegel).
Plan your tank
Check the numbers before you buy: tank volume, a stocking plan, cycle progress, water changes, and your ongoing care routine.
Keeping Black Line Tetra?
AquaLens identifies your fish and plants from a photo, tracks water chemistry, and flags health issues early — free on iOS and Android.
