Attention Beginner Aquarium Hobbyists! This one’s for you!
The Black Tetra is very popular in the aquarium hobby. It is also known as the Black Skirt Tetra, and Black Widow Tetra. They make a nice addition to any community style fish tank. Choose your tank mates wisely though, avoid keeping them with fin nippers like the Tiger Barb! They are a peaceful fish and get along with a lot of different types of tetra fish, but they can also be fin nippers themselves so avoid keeping them with fish like Bettas. Also, try to keep Black Tetras in a group of at least six or more to make them feel more comfortable.
This is a great beginner fish because they are not very demanding as far as water quality goes. You should start them out in at least a 20 gallon tank so you can get a nice school of them. You could probably fit about 15 Black Tetras in a 20 gallon tank. Make sure that your tank has cycled before adding fish! Check our Filtration page for more information.
Black Tetra Fish Care!
Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Natural Habitat: South America
Common Names: Black Tetra, Black Skirt Tetra, Black Widow Tetra
Beginner Fish: Yes! They do not require strict water perimeters.
Adult Size: 2 inches.
Life Span: 3-5 years.
Tank Mates: Keep with other tetras or fish that do not have long fins. Keep with peaceful fish.
Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons.
Tank Region: Everywhere.
Water Temperature: 75°F – 80°F
Water pH: 6 – 7.5
Feeding: Common tropical fish flake foods, frozen, and freeze dried foods.
Gender: Males have wider anal fin and Females are generally larger.
