Black Skirt Tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characidae

📍 South America

The black skirt tetra has a distinctive deep body with flowing black dorsal and anal fins. It is extremely hardy and adaptable, making it a classic beginner fish. Long-finned and balloon variants are widely available in the hobby.

Size2.5"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Black skirt tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food and small pellets as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp to promote color and health. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

These active, schooling fish are peaceful and social when kept in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural shoaling behavior. They occupy the mid-water column and are relatively hardy, though they may occasionally nip the fins of slow-moving fish with very long, flowing fins. They are most active during dawn and dusk, remaining relatively calm during midday hours.

Breeding

Breeding black skirt tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and rarely occurs in community tanks. They require soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5), warm temperatures (26–28°C), and dense vegetation or spawning mops to scatter eggs. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry require infusoria or liquid fry food before graduating to micro pellets.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Similar size, water parameters, and peaceful temperament; excellent community fish

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller; ensure adequate space to prevent territorial disputes

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate; may be occasionally nipped but generally coexist well

good

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal algae eater that occupies different niche; compatible water parameters

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28–30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) or commercial ich treatment for 7–10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or disintegrating fins, white or black edges on fins, fin deterioration

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibiotic medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

Whitish film on body or fins, loss of appetite, lethargy, rapid gill movement

Treatment

Perform daily 50% water changes, increase aeration, use antibiotic treatment (e.g., tetracycline or erythromycin) as directed; maintain water temperature at 25–26°C

Neon Tetra Disease

Symptoms

Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior

Treatment

No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, and consider euthanasia to prevent transmission to healthy fish