Black Tetra, also known as Black Skirt Tetra, Petticoat Tetra, High-fin Black Skirt Tetra, Black Widow Tetra, and Blackamoor, is a freshwater fish from the Characin family.
It’s originally found in south-central Brazil, Paraguay, and northeast Argentina. Some populations are also found in the upper Paraná and Paraíba do Sul Rivers.
This fish is commonly kept in aquariums. Black tetras are social fish that swim together in groups called schools.
They eat small crustaceans, insects, and worms. They’re active creatures and may chase other fish with long fins but are generally hardy and not prone to diseases.
Females are bigger than males, and they usually swim around the middle or upper water layers of an aquarium.
You should keep them in groups of five or more with at least a 60 cm long tank for their comfort.
Black Tetra Interesting Facts
- Black Tetra, or Skirt Tetra, is a freshwater fish native to South America (Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina).
- They are social and active swimmers that eat small crustaceans, insects, and worms.
- Females are larger than males and prefer swimming in middle or upper water layers.
- Ideal aquarium conditions include a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and temperatures between 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C).
Black Tetra Habitat
Black tetra is a freshwater fish found in South America. Its scientific name is Gymnocorymbus ternetzi.
This fish lives in river basins such as Paraguay and Guaporé, stretching from Argentina.
Black tetra prefers water that has a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, and a hardness (dH) range of 5 to 19.
The ideal water temperature for this fish is 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C).
Black tetra usually lives in subtropical climates located at latitudes between 11°S to 30°S, and longitudes between 64°W to 48°W.
| Water Temperature: | 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Black Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 3 inches (7.5 centimeters)
Black tetra grows up to 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) long. Its body shape is like a rectangle and has a grey color that fades from black at the tail to light at the nose.
Two black stripes are seen near its gills. The back half of the body has dark spots which help to identify this fish easily.
Black Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Gymnocorymbus |
| Scientific Name: | Gymnocorymbus ternetzi |
| Also Known As: | Black Tetra, Black Skirt Tetra, Petticoat Tetra, High-fin Black Skirt Tetra, Black Widow Tetra, Blackamoor |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |