The black tetra has been a popular staple of the aquarium hobby for many years. Commercial breeders have developed different color varieties (unfortunately, including the “blueberry” and other dyed fish), and there are long-finned specimens. The black tetra has been bred in such quantities both in Florida and the Far East that fish imported from the wild are virtually never seen.

Along with the zebra danio and the white cloud mountain fish, the black tetra is probably one of the easiest egg-laying fish to get to breed. It is not at all particular about water conditions, and basically a male and an egg-filled female in a tank with plants will lead to eggs and babies. The young grow fairly quickly and therefore are easy to raise.

An ideal community tank fish, the black tetra does best in schools of at least five or six fish, and it prefers a planted tank with plenty of places for it to hide and hang out in. It will eat absolutely anything in the way of the standard aquarium fare, and can even be conditioned for breeding on dry food. One could not ask for a more pleasing fish to keep.