Black Skirt AKA Black Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) – Tank Bred

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The Black Skirt Tetra (also known as Black Widow Tetra, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a hardy and peaceful fish that makes an excellent addition to any community aquarium, especially planted tanks. This tank-bred variety is well-adapted to aquarium life and is a great option for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike. Known for its elegant, flowing fins and striking black and silver coloration, the Black Skirt Tetra is a schooling fish that thrives in groups and adds dynamic movement to your aquarium.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Striking Appearance: Features elegant black and silver colors with flowing fins.
• Hardy and Peaceful: Well-suited for community aquariums with other peaceful species.
• Ideal for Schools: Best kept in groups of 6 or more for optimal health and natural behavior.
• Adaptable: Bred in captivity, making them more resilient and easier to care for in aquarium environments.

Natural Habitat and Behavior:

The Black Skirt Tetra typically occupies the top and middle levels of the water column, although it can be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is a peaceful species and is compatible with other non-aggressive fish. While they have small mouths, care should be taken when housing them with small shrimp, as they may prey on juvenile shrimp. Larger invertebrates, like snails or adult shrimp, make great tankmates.

In the wild, Black Skirt Tetras are found in slow-moving streams and rivers in South America, where the water is soft and slightly acidic. These conditions can be replicated in the home aquarium to help them thrive.

Aquascaping, Hardscaping, and Plants:

The Black Skirt Tetra thrives in a well-planted aquarium, especially with floating plants that help diffuse light and provide cover. The natural environment of this tetra includes soft, acidic water with plenty of tannins, often from decaying leaf litter. To replicate this, aquascaping with driftwood, smooth rocks, and leaf litter will help create an ideal setup.

The addition of live plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Amazon Swords can enhance the natural feel of the aquarium and provide both hiding spots and shade. These fish appreciate a slightly subdued lighting environment, and floating plants, such as Duckweed or Salvinia, are excellent options for achieving this. Fine substrate like sand or smooth gravel will also help simulate their natural habitat.

Maintaining clean, well-filtered water is essential for the health of the Black Skirt Tetra. Regular water changes and a properly cycled filter will contribute to their overall well-being and coloration.

Diet and Feeding:

The Black Skirt Tetra is an omnivore and will readily accept a variety of foods. A diet that includes high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp will ensure they thrive. Offering a varied diet will help maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

The Black Skirt Tetra is peaceful and compatible with other small, non-aggressive species such as rasboras, tetras, and peaceful bottom dwellers. They should be kept in schools of at least 6 individuals, as they are naturally shoaling fish and will display their best behavior when kept in groups. Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive species that may cause stress or injury.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 68° – 78°F (20° – 26°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• KH: 5 – 20 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; feed a variety of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful; thrives in groups of 6 or more.
• Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to South America.
• Average Adult Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6.3 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 0.5 – 1 inch (1.3 – 2.5 cm)
• Breeding: Egg layer; tank-bred.

Add the Black Skirt Tetra to Your Aquarium Today!

With its peaceful nature and striking appearance, the Black Skirt Tetra is a great choice for aquarists looking to add a hardy and elegant fish to their community tank. This tank-bred variety is easier to care for and thrives in a well-maintained aquarium.

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