Can Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 60 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Black Skirt Tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Panda Tetra

Aphyocharax paraguayensis

🐟Family Group
Black Skirt Tetra
Characins
Panda Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Black Skirt Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Panda Tetra
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Black Skirt Tetra
20–26°C
Panda Tetra
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Black Skirt Tetra
6–8
Panda Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Black Skirt Tetra
3–15
Panda Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Black Skirt Tetra
Freshwater Only
Panda Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Black Skirt Tetra
Moderate
Panda Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Black Skirt Tetra
55 L
Panda Tetra
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Black Skirt Tetra
Middle
Panda Tetra
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Black Skirt Tetra
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin Nipper
Panda Tetra
Fin NipperHyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Black Skirt Tetra
Panda Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 4/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Panda Tetra is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 3–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra live together?

Yes. Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Black Skirt Tetra or Panda Tetra aggressive?

Black Skirt Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Panda Tetra is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Black Skirt Tetra and Panda Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Black Skirt Tetra nip Panda Tetra's fins?

Black Skirt Tetra is a known fin nipper. If Panda Tetra has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Black Skirt Tetra in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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