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
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Water Parameters
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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
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesBlack 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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
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.
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.
Similar Species
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.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
A peaceful, active schooling fish native to the Paraguay basin. Known for its striking contrast of a dark black lateral stripe underneath a glowing iridescent white/green-gold stripe. Excellent for community aquariums, particularly in planted setups or blackwater biotope tanks with subdued lighting.
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.
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
A stunning, large schooling fish native to the Congo River basin. Known for their iridescent rainbow colors and active swimming behavior. Despite their size, they are notoriously peaceful and can be skittish, requiring ample swimming space, dim lighting or floating plants, and peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping with fin-nippers.