Black Skirt Tetra
Also known as: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
The Black Skirt Tetra is a hardy, popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive black, flowing anal and dorsal fins that resemble a skirt. The Black Skirt Tetra originates from Native to the Paraguay River basin in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, South America., reaches Adult size: 5-6 cm in captivity, typically lives 3-5 years, and is kept at 22-26°C (72-79°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Native to the Paraguay River basin in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, South America.
- Adult size
- Adult size: 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches)
- Life span
- 3-5 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful and active schooling fish; best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Tank size
- Minimum 60 liters (16 gallons) for a small school; 80+ liters (21+ gallons) recommended for optimal behavior.
- Water temp
- 22-26°C (72-79°F)
- pH range
- 6.0-7.5
- Diet
- Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach.
- Other names
- Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
About the Black Skirt Tetra
The Black Skirt Tetra is a hardy, popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive black, flowing anal and dorsal fins that resemble a skirt. It exhibits a silvery-gray body with bold black vertical bars and is highly active in the mid to upper water columns. This species thrives in well-planted tanks with subdued lighting and gentle water flow. Black Skirt Tetras are social and display natural schooling behavior when kept in adequate groups.
Lifespan and health
With proper care, Black Skirt Tetras typically live 3-5 years in captivity, though exceptional individuals may reach up to 6 years under optimal conditions. Longevity is strongly influenced by diet variety, water quality, and stress levels; consistent maintenance and a balanced diet significantly extend their lifespan. Common health issues include ich (white spot disease) triggered by temperature drops or poor water quality, fin rot from bacterial infections due to injury or stress, and internal parasites if fed low-quality live foods. Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks, monitor for clamped fins or lethargy, and treat outbreaks promptly with appropriate medications while maintaining pristine water conditions.
Overview
The Black Skirt Tetra is a hardy, popular freshwater fish known for its distinctive black, flowing anal and dorsal fins that resemble a skirt. It exhibits a silvery-gray body with bold black vertical bars and is highly active in the mid to upper water columns. This species thrives in well-planted tanks with subdued lighting and gentle water flow. Black Skirt Tetras are social and display natural schooling behavior when kept in adequate groups.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a dark substrate, driftwood, and dense planting with species like Java fern or Anubias to provide hiding spots and mimic their natural habitat. Open swimming areas are essential, and a gentle filter flow is preferred to avoid stressing the fish. Maintain stable water parameters with weekly 25% water changes; use a heater to keep temperature within 22-26°C and avoid sudden fluctuations. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, offering only what they can consume in under 2 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues. Ideal tankmates include other peaceful community fish such as Corydoras catfish, small rasboras, and other tetras like Neon or Ember Tetras; avoid fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs or aggressive cichlids that may stress or harm their delicate fins.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Black Skirt Tetra, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.