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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Skirt Tetra
How big does Black Skirt Tetra get?+
What tank size does Black Skirt Tetra need?+
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Similar Species
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most iconic freshwater fish in the hobby, famous for its striking iridescent blue and red stripes. Originally from the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish and must be kept in schools to thrive, display natural behaviors, and feel secure.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
The Ember Tetra is a striking, fiery orange-red nano fish native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. Extremely peaceful and active, they are perfect for planted and blackwater aquariums. They are tight schoolers and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Renowned as the tightest schooling fish in the freshwater hobby. They feature a bright red nose, a silver body, and a black-and-white checkered tail. They are excellent 'indicator fish'; their red noses will fade to pale pink if water quality drops or the fish are stressed. While there are three very similar species (H. rhodostomus, H. bleheri, P. georgiae) often sold under the same name, their care requirements are identical.
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.