Description
Black Skirt Widow Tetra
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Common Names: Black Skirt Tetra, Widow Tetra, Black Widow Tetra
Family: Characidae (Tetra Family)
Order: Characiformes
Origin: South America — 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; slightly arched back.
Coloration: Silvery-grey body with striking black vertical stripes; black dorsal and anal fins give the “skirt” appearance.
Fins: Rounded dorsal, anal, and caudal fins; long flowing fins in some variants.
Behavior: Peaceful and schooling fish; very social.
Nature: Active mid-level swimmer; enjoys open swimming areas and plants.
Special Feature: Hardy and easy-to-care-for tetra; black “skirt” fins make it distinctive in community tanks.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Flakes, micro-pellets, live/frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily.
Tip: Feed a varied diet to maintain color and health.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small school.
Filtration: Moderate filtration; gentle water flow preferred.
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand.
Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas; floating plants recommended.
Lighting: Moderate; enhances contrast of black fins against silvery body.
Water Change: 20–25% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Best kept in schools of 6 or more.
Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like tetras, guppies, rasboras, 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 appearance.
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
Black Skirt Widow Tetras are hardy, peaceful, and visually striking freshwater fish. Their distinctive black “skirt” fins and active schooling behavior make them ideal for community tanks, adding contrast and movement to mid-level aquarium zones.
