Common Name Black Tetra, Black Widow, Black Skirt Tetra, Petticoat Tetra, Butterfly Tetra Scientific Name Gymnocorymbus Ternetzi Origin Rio Paraguay; Rio Guapore, Bolivia (Central America) Adult Size 2 1/8 inches Life Span 6 years or longer Sexual Identification Male: He has a more narrow and sharper dorsal fin. Female: She has a narrow anal fin that runs parallel to the second vertical line. Behavior Black Skirt Tetras are active fish that should be kept in schools of 6 or more. Black Skirts are peaceful with other community fish; however, they have a tendency to harass one another. Tetras stage mock battles, but they seldom cause injury to one another. Dense vegetation, dim lighting, dark substrate, rocks, and driftwood are recommended. These Tetras are easy to care for and would make the perfect fish for a beginner's aquarium. Water Environment pH: 5.8-8.5, Temperature: 68-76º F, Hardness: 30 dGH, Lighting: Should be subdued. Substrate: Medium to dark bottom gravel. Aquarium should be stocked with lots of plants. Diet Omnivorous: Vegetable flakes, shrimp pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, freeze dried brine shrimp. Reproduction Egglayer: Reach their maturity within a year. The black color of puberty will later change to a dull looking gray when adults. Breeding will occur easily if kept in large schools. Black Skirt Tetras will eat their own eggs, so caution should be taken when breeding these fish. Compatible Tank Mates Black Neons, Bloodfin Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Whiptail Catfish, Otocinclus, Redeye Tetras, Red Serpae Tetras, Angelfish, Dwarf Australian Rainbows, Harlequin Rasboras. Plant Compatibility Cryptocorynes, Swords, Vals, Cabomba, Moneywort, Starwort, Hornwort, small Bacopa, Parrot's Feather, Dwarf Hairgrass, bog wood, rocks. Diseases Ick Tips Requires a lot of attention to their water conditions and feeding. Frequent water changes. The common mistake in keeping these fish is high temperature.

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