Longfin Black Skirt Tetra Care Guide
The Longfin Black Skirt Tetra is a selectively bred form of Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, a peaceful shoaling characid from South America.
Overview
The Longfin Black Skirt Tetra is a selectively bred long-finned variety of Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, a small characid native to South America. The species was described by Boulenger in 1895. The wild form is a hardy, lively shoaling fish; the long-finned variety shares the same care but swims somewhat more slowly because of its extended fins, so it should be kept away from known fin-nippers.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Gymnocorymbus
- Scientific name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi var. Longfin
- Base species: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (Boulenger, 1895)
- Note: the long-finned form is a captive-bred ornamental variety, not a separate species
Habitat
The wild base species inhabits the Paraguay and Guaporé river basins across Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina, including the Pantanal region. It occupies small, slow-moving creeks, tributaries and streams, often with dense overhanging vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-15 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals (larger groups reduce fin-nipping)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An unfussy omnivore. In the wild it feeds on small crustaceans, insects and worms. In the aquarium it accepts dried flakes and granules alongside regular feedings of small live and frozen foods such as Daphnia and bloodworm.
Compatibility
Generally peaceful and active, occupying the middle of the water column. The species has a reputation as an occasional fin-nipper, which is usually reduced by keeping it in a sufficiently large shoal. It associates well with peaceful tetras and bottom-dwelling Corydoras; pairing the long-finned form with vigorous nippers such as tiger barbs or serpae tetras should be avoided.
Breeding
An egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. Adhesive eggs are deposited among fine-leaved plants and hatch within roughly 18-36 hours. Adults will consume their own eggs, so they are best removed after spawning.