Black skirt tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi · Characidae
Also known as Black widow tetra, Petticoat tetra
Beginner
Hardy, bold tetra with tall fins; can nip if kept in small numbers.
- Minimum tank
- 80 L
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult size
- 5.5 cm
- Group size
- 6+
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Black skirt tetra against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanksCare requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 80 L
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 3–18 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–6 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, pellets, frozen foods.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Paraguay and Guaporé basins
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Vegetated creeks and floodplains
- Natural conditions
- Moderately soft, slightly acidic to neutral water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 6 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- CorydorasZebra danioRosy barbBristlenose pleco
- Avoid
- BettaGuppyLong-finned fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males are smaller with a pointed dorsal.
- Notes
- Egg scatterer over fine-leaved plants; remove adults after spawning.
- Common ailments
- IchFin rot
