Description

White Fin Tetra

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (Albino/White Fin variant of Black Skirt Tetra)

• Common Names: White Fin Tetra, Albino Tetra, White Skirt Tetra

• Family: Characidae (Tetra Family)

• Order: Characiformes

• Origin: South America — primarily the Paraguay River Basin in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay

• Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm) in captivity

• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

• Tank Zone: Mid-level swimmer

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 50 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Small, laterally compressed body with smooth scales.

• Coloration: Silvery-white or pale body with translucent fins; albino/white appearance gives a striking look.

• Fins: Rounded dorsal and caudal fins; pectoral fins translucent.

• Behavior: Peaceful and schooling fish; very social.

• Nature: Active and mid-level swimmer; enjoys open swimming areas.

• Special Feature: Albino/white coloration makes it ideal for planted or community tanks with colorful fish.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, live/frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily.

• Tip: Feed small amounts multiple times a day to maintain health and coloration.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small school.

• Filtration: Moderate filtration; gentle water flow preferred.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand; smooth substrate recommended.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas; floating plants are appreciated.

• Lighting: Moderate; enhances white fin coloration.

• Water Change: 20–25% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Best kept in schools of 6 or more.

• Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like guppies, rasboras, tetras, and small gouramis.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species.

• Compatibility Note: Very social; stress occurs if kept alone or in too small groups.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in schools for best behavior and coloration.

• Provide plants and open swimming areas.

• Maintain clean water with regular changes.

• Feed a varied diet including live and frozen foods.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep singly; they are schooling fish.

• Don’t house with aggressive species.

• Don’t neglect water quality; sensitive to ammonia/nitrite spikes.

⭐ Quick Tips
White Fin Tetras are peaceful, elegant, and visually striking freshwater fish. Their soft white coloration and active schooling behavior make them perfect for planted tanks or community aquariums, adding serenity and subtle beauty.