Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
A very hardy, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to South America. They are incredibly popular for beginners but have a reputation as fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. A proper school disperses their internal bickering and largely prevents them from harassing other tank mates.
Black Skirt Tetra At a Glance
Black Skirt Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Black Skirt Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Black Skirt Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Black Skirt Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Black Skirt Tetra Water Parameters
Black Skirt Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Black Skirt Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Black Skirt)
The natural dark coloration. They feature distinct black vertical bands and a dark, flowing anal fin (the 'skirt'). The dark colors often fade to silvery-grey as the fish ages.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Black Widow, Wild Type, Standard
White Skirt Tetra
A naturally occurring, selectively bred leucistic (light-colored) morph of the Black Skirt Tetra. Care and behavior are identical to the standard form.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Gold Skirt, Albino, Leucistic
Long Finned Morph
Selectively bred for elongated, flowing fins. They require lower water flow to prevent exhaustion and are more vulnerable to being nipped by other fish.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Longfin Black Skirt, Hi-fin, Long Finned White Skirt
GloFish Tetra
Genetically modified White Skirt Tetras that fluoresce bright neon colors under blue/UV lighting. Their husbandry, temperament, and size are entirely identical to standard Skirt Tetras.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Glo Tetra, Cosmic Blue, Electric Green, Galactic Purple, Sunburst Orange, Moonrise Pink, Starfire Red
Black Skirt Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Black Skirt Tetra, scientifically known as Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Black Skirt Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Black Skirt Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 4 varieties: Standard (Black Skirt), White Skirt Tetra, Long Finned Morph, and GloFish Tetra. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Black Skirt Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Black Skirt Tetra, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Black Skirt Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Black Skirt Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Black Skirt Tetra Is Actually For
Black Skirt Tetra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Black Skirt Tetra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Black Skirt Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Black Skirt Tetra.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 20 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Skirt Tetra
How big does Black Skirt Tetra get?
Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Black Skirt Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Black Skirt Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Black Skirt Tetra need?
Black Skirt Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Black Skirt Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Black Skirt Tetra is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Black Skirt Tetra should be kept together?
Black Skirt Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Black Skirt Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Black Skirt Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Black Skirt Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Black Skirt Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesWhite Cheeked Goby
Rhinogobius duospilus
Ideal Tank MatesShovelnose Sturgeon
Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Ideal Tank MatesReticulated Stingray (Teacup Ray)
Potamotrygon orbignyi
Ideal Tank MatesTandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Ideal Tank MatesPetricola Catfish
Synodontis petricola
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Black Skirt Tetra
These plants pair well with Black Skirt Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Black Skirt Tetra
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins. They are named for the distinct 'phantom' black patch behind their gills. They thrive in heavily planted tanks with subdued lighting (often achieved via floating plants or blackwater conditions). Males engage in spectacular but harmless 'mock battles' where they flare their fins at each other.
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
A large, incredibly hardy, and highly active tetra from South America. While they are nearly bulletproof regarding water parameters and great for beginners, they are notorious fin-nippers and voracious plant eaters. They must be kept in larger schools to disperse internal aggression and housed with equally robust, fast-moving tank mates (like larger Barbs or robust Catfish). Do not keep with long-finned fish, slow swimmers, or in delicate aquascapes.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
A striking, deep-red schooling fish known for its highly active nature. While hardy and beautiful, Serpae Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. This behavior is usually localized within their own pecking order if kept in large enough schools (8+), but they should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tank mates like Bettas, Angelfish, or Gouramis.
Lemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra known for its translucent yellow coloration and striking black and yellow fins. They are robust and active, making them an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their colors intensify significantly in a well-established tank with a dark substrate and proper schooling numbers.
Bloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
An extremely hardy and energetic schooling fish characterized by its silver body and striking bright red fins. As exceptionally active swimmers, they require plenty of horizontal swimming space. They are very adaptable to temperature and water parameters, making them a fantastic choice for beginners. Must be kept in groups to curb minor fin-nipping tendencies.
Bentos Tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
A striking, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin. Characterized by a reddish-brown tint and a prominent black spot on the dorsal fin, often tipped with white. They are active but peaceful schooling fish. Males will frequently engage in harmless, visually impressive sparring displays to establish hierarchy and impress females.