Overview:
Black Skirt Tetras (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) are hardy schooling fish recognized for their tall, laterally compressed bodies and distinct black and silver coloration. Originally from the slow-moving rivers and tributaries of South America, they adapt easily to a wide range of water parameters, making them suitable for beginner aquarists.
Although they are generally peaceful, Black Skirt Tetras have a reputation for fin-nipping, especially when kept in small numbers or housed with long-finned species such as angelfish or guppies. They thrive best in schools of six or more, which reduces aggression and brings out their natural shoaling behavior.
These tetras are resilient and undemanding, but their tendency toward aggression and their relatively subdued coloration often make them less popular compared to other tetra species.
Common Name: Black Skirt Tetra
Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Origin: South America (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina)
Maximum Size: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Black Skirt Tetra Care:
Tank Parameters Required:
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons (57 liters)
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 4–15 dGH
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (fin-nipping tendencies)
Tank Level: Mid-dweller
Diet: Omnivore (accepts flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods)
Breeding: Egg-scatterer, relatively easy in captivity
Difficulty: Easy (hardy, but aggressive toward certain tankmates)
Size Offered: Around 1.5”–2.0”. Medium to Large Black Skirt Tetras.
Note: All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Variations can occur in livestock.
Overview:
Black Skirt Tetras (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) are hardy schooling fish recognized for their tall, laterally compressed bodies and distinct black and silver coloration. Originally from the slow-moving rivers and tributaries of South America, they adapt easily to a wide range of water parameters, making them suitable for beginner aquarists.
Although they are generally peaceful, Black Skirt Tetras have a reputation for fin-nipping, especially when kept in small numbers or housed with long-finned species such as angelfish or guppies. They thrive best in schools of six or more, which reduces aggression and brings out their natural shoaling behavior.
These tetras are resilient and undemanding, but their tendency toward aggression and their relatively subdued coloration often make them less popular compared to other tetra species.
Common Name: Black Skirt Tetra
Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Origin: South America (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina)
Maximum Size: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Black Skirt Tetra Care:
Tank Parameters Required:
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons (57 liters)
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 4–15 dGH
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (fin-nipping tendencies)
Tank Level: Mid-dweller
Diet: Omnivore (accepts flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods)
Breeding: Egg-scatterer, relatively easy in captivity
Difficulty: Easy (hardy, but aggressive toward certain tankmates)
Size Offered: Around 1.5”–2.0”. Medium to Large Black Skirt Tetras.
Note: All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Variations can occur in livestock.
