Oneline Tetra

About

The oneline tetra (Nannaethiops unitaeniatus) is a small African characin that doesn't turn up in fish stores nearly as often as it should. It hails from a broad stretch of west and central Africa, appearing in river systems from Nigeria and Chad across to the Congo basin, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. A surprisingly wide distribution for such an overlooked fish. The name refers to the single dark lateral stripe that runs the length of its body, a feature it shares with several Neolebias species, which can lead to some confusion at the point of sale. One reliable distinction: this fish always has a complete lateral line, which Neolebias typically lack. In the aquarium, it's a naturally shy species that settles in much better when kept as a proper shoal. Given a group and some tankmates of similar size and temperament, it becomes noticeably more confident and active. It's an omnivore in the wild, picking off worms, small crustaceans, and insects, and it adapts well to a varied diet in captivity. Breeding is possible but not commonly achieved, requiring some preparation and patience. It's a rewarding fish for someone with a bit of experience who wants something genuinely different from the usual tetra options.