Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Minimum Tank
15 Gallons
Adult Size
3 inches
Temperature
70-79°F (21-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Black Skirt Tetra
The black skirt tetra, also known as the black widow tetra, is a hardy and distinctive fish from the Paraguay and Guapore river basins in South America. Its most striking feature is its large, flowing anal fin that creates a dramatic skirt-like silhouette, paired with two prominent vertical bars on its forward body. Young fish display the deepest black coloring, which gradually fades to a dark gray as they age. Black skirt tetras are active, confident mid-water swimmers that bring movement and personality to community aquariums. They are also the base species for the popular GloFish tetras, which are genetically modified to express fluorescent proteins.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 15-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 70-79°F (21-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Black skirt tetras are one of the hardiest tetra species and tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them excellent for beginners. Keep them in schools of at least six to minimize any fin-nipping tendencies. Avoid housing them with long-finned or slow-moving fish like bettas or fancy guppies, as they may nip trailing fins. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 70-79°F. A spacious tank with open swimming areas and some planted sections provides the ideal environment. Feed quality flake food as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods. They can live 5-7 years with proper care.
Quick Facts
57L
Min Tank (15gal)
8cm
Adult Size (3")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Black Skirt Tetra
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Tank Mates for Black Skirt Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Odessa Barb
Pethia padamya
easy · 20+ gal
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
easy · 20+ gal
Clown Pleco
Panaqolus maccus
easy · 20+ gal
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Black Skirt Tetra need?
A Black Skirt Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 15 gallons (57 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Black Skirt Tetra need?
Black Skirt Tetra thrive in water between 70-79°F (21-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Black Skirt Tetra easy to care for?
Black Skirt Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Black Skirt Tetra get and what do they eat?
Black Skirt Tetra reach about 3 inches and are omnivores. Black skirt tetras are one of the hardiest tetra species and tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them excellent for beginners. Keep them in schools of at least six to minimize any fin-nipping tendencies. Avoid housing them with long-finned or slow-moving fish like bettas or fancy guppies, as they may nip trailing fins. They prefer slightly soft, acidic to neutral water at 70-79°F. A spacious tank with open swimming areas and some planted sections provides the ideal environment. Feed quality flake food as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods. They can live 5-7 years with proper care.