Black Skirt Tetra care guide
Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 22-26 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a robust characid from the Paraguay and lower Guaporé river basins of South America. Adults are recognised by their compressed silvery body and large dark anal and dorsal fins that fade with age. Several selectively bred colour and long-finned forms are widely available in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Gymnocorymbus
- Scientific name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
- Common synonyms: Black Widow Tetra
Habitat
Wild populations inhabit slow-moving tributaries, oxbow lakes and flooded margins of the Paraguay, Paraná and lower Guaporé river systems in Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and northern Argentina. The species is typically found among aquatic plants and submerged roots in clear to slightly turbid water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A generalist omnivore. In nature it consumes small crustaceans, insect larvae and plant matter from the water column. In aquaria a varied diet of quality flakes, micro-pellets and regular live or frozen foods (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp) maintains colour and condition; feed twice daily in small portions.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water schooling fish that becomes fin-nippy if kept singly or in groups below six. Keep a shoal of at least six and avoid pairing with long-finned slow species (Betta, fancy guppies, Angelfish in small tanks). Suitable tankmates include other robust tetras, Corydoras and Bristlenose Pleco.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Conditioned pairs spawn over fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop; adults should be removed after spawning as they readily consume the eggs. Fry hatch within roughly 24-36 hours and accept infusoria followed by newly hatched brine shrimp.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: not assessed for this species; populations are abundant and most aquarium stock is commercially captive-bred.