Welcome the Black Skirt Tetra to Your Aquarium!

The black skirt tetra is a beautiful fish species that deserves a home. It can be found in aquariums or ditches and streams, meaning it’s not afraid of water. Just like other tetra species, black skirt tetra fish are schooling fish that enjoy water temperature between 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH level around 7.5-8.5.

They are omnivores, which means they’re capable of feeding on plants and algae, as well as bloodworms and brine shrimp flakes soaked in aquarium water.

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the black skirt tetra fish species including lifespan, size, habitat, diet, breeding requirements, and diseases.

We will also provide you with some tips for black skirt tetra tank setup and maintenance that will help you keep these beautiful tetras happy and healthy in your aquarium.

Species Summary

The Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a popular freshwater aquarium fish. It is characterized by a black “skirt” and two black bars near its eyes. This tetra species is native to the rivers of Australia and Southeast Asia. The White Skirt tetra (G. moorgezi) is a common albino version. This fish can reach up to 3 inches in length, making it one of the larger tetras available in captivity.

The Black Skirt Tetra is also known as the Black Widow Tetra, Blackamoor, Blackamoor Petticoat Tetra, and Blackamoor Pincushion Fish. The name ‘Blackamoor’ comes from the black “skirt” that bioluminesces when agitated watercurrents pass over it. These bioluminescent features are thought to attract prey, so it’s common for hobbyists to keep them in aquariums as food fish.

The Blackamoor is popular for its bright coloration and attractive fin shape, making it a favorite among hobbyists and aquarium owners alike.

It can be found in rivers and shallow water habitats, such as tanks with live plants or driftwood decorations. Its natural habitat includes areas with soft substrate, such as mud or sand, but it can also be kept in water with hard or pebbly substrate. It doesn’t need high water quality parameters like other tetras but requires water temperature between 68°F and 82°F and a pH of 7-8.

Lifespan

The lifespan of black skirt tetras varies greatly depending on their conditions. In captivity, some black skirt tetras have been known to live upwards of 8 years.

However, the typical lifespan is around 3 to 5 years. A key factor in the lifespan of black skirt tetra is their water quality and their environment. If the water quality or the surrounding environment is not favourable, a black skirt tetra can suffer from health issues and may live a shorter lifespan.

Additionally, proper feeding practices, breeding behavior, and aquarium parameters can also help ensure that black skirt tetra live long and healthy lives in captivity.

Appearance

The black skirt tetra is a small freshwater fish that has a black tail and two black bars across its body. It has a black body with a greyish-white fin and a long, pointed pectoral fin.

The black skirt tetra can reach up to 3 inches in length, making it a great aquarium fish. It is known for its vibrant coloration and active behavior, making it an easy species to keep in any aquarium.

However, the black skirt tetra may be confused with the black phantom tetra due to their similar appearances, but they are not even in the same genus. The black skirt tetra belongs to the genus Hyphessobrycon and the black phantom tetra belongs to the genus Paratetra.

Size

The Black Skirt Tetra is a freshwater fish that can be found in rivers and streams of Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa. These omnivorous fish can grow up to 6 centimeters long, with males being slightly smaller than females.

The two varieties of the Black Skirt Tetra are long fin and short fin. The long fin variety has a lifespan of around 2 years, while the shorter fin variety can live up to 5 years. The average lifespan for the black skirt tetra is 3 to 5 years.

This species is a good choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists as it is easy to care for and has a low aquarium requirements. It requires minimum size aquariums of 20 gallons or more, with temperature range of 20-26 degrees Celsius (68-79 degrees Fahrenheit).

The black skirt tetra is an omnivorous species that feeds on both plant and animal matter in its natural habitat, so it is important to provide them with a varied diet in captivity.

They are also known to eat vegetation such as benthic algae and small plants, which must be provided in captivity to ensure their health and well-being. This species thrives in aquariums with plenty of swimming space and a strong water current.

However, it can be easily stressed if aquarium conditions are not suitable. Therefore, it is important to maintain a stable water temperature and keep the aquarium clean and well-lit for the black skirt tetra to thrive

Lifespan

Black Skirt Tetra have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, and can grow up to 3 inches in length. They are commonly known as Blackamoor, Black Widow Tetra, and Petticoat Tetra. They are not to be confused with the Black Phantom Tetra, which is a different genus. Both species are tetra species but belong to different genera.

They are best kept in groups of five or more for optimal health and lifespan. These fish require a temperature between 73 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and they should be fed a varied diet consisting of live food, pellets, and small crustaceans such as shrimp and brine shrimp.

These tetras are omnivores and will devour a variety of food including flakes, pellets, live food, small crustaceans, bloodworms, frozen food such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, and vegetables such as black worms or black blackeyeus.

However, they do require a varied diet to ensure they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy over the long term. This species is an important addition to any aquarium due to its sociable behavior and diverse dietary requirements.

Sexual Dimorphism: Size & Coloration

There are significant sexual differences between male and female black skirt tetras. The male black skirt tetra is typically smaller and thinner than the female tetra.

Male black skirt tetra often have more pointed anal fin and dorsal fin compared to female tetra. Other than that, there are no coloration differences between male and female black skirt tetra. However, males may have a few white dots on their caudal fin.

Adult black skirt tetra reach up to 2 inches in size, while female black skirt tetra typically range between 1.5 inches and 2 inches in size. There is also an albino variation of the black skirt tetra known as the white skirt tetra which has a more pale coloration than the typical black skirt tetra.

Food & Diet

The Black Skirt Tetra, also known as G.ternetzii, is a popular aquarium fish that can reach up to 6 cm in size. This species is omnivorous and can be fed a variety of food, including small live foods, frozen foods, and flake or pellet food. In the wild, Black Skirt Tetras feed on insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter. To maintain health, the Black Skirt Tetra should be fed a balanced diet, which includes both high-quality protein and vegetable-based food. This species is a great addition to any aquarium. However, it requires special care and feeding to stay healthy and thrive.

Behavior & Temperament

Black Skitting tetra are a popular aquarium fish species that are known for their peaceful behavior. They can be kept in groups of 5 or more when they are properly maintained and entertained.

They make excellent community aquarium fish, as they are generally peaceful and get along well with other species.

They have an omnivorous diet, so they should be given live, frozen, and flake food to keep them healthy and energetic.

These tetras are comfortable in temperature ranges between 75-80° F, so they can be kept in high- temperature aquariums. They also require acidic pH levels between 6.0-7.5 to thrive. The lifespan of black skirt tetra is typically 3-5 years, so it is important to regularly feed them and provide them with adequate tank space.

Breeding

Black Skirts are a popular freshwater aquarium fish that are commonly bred in the aquarium trade. They can be bred in captivity and have resulted in a variety of color morphs, including white skirt tetra, long fin black skirt tetra, and colored skirt tetra.

These tetras are omnivorous species and require a varied diet of live food, frozen food, and flake food to thrive. They should be provided with plenty of open swimming space as well as plant thickets for them to retreat if threatened.

Black Skirt Tetras are best kept in groups of five or more, with plenty of open swimming space to promote spawning and breeding. They should always be kept in an aquarium with a quality water filtration system to ensure they stay healthy and breed well.

Common Possible Diseases

Black Skirt tetras are a hardy aquarium fish that can be kept in community tanks or as standalone aquarium species. They are known for their vibrant coloration and peaceful behavior, making them an excellent choice for aquariums of all sizes. However, they are vulnerable to a range of ailments, including bacterial diseases and protozoan infections. To prevent these problems, make sure to provide adequate water conditions and treat the tank regularly with medication such as Melafix, Myxazin, and Maracyn. Additionally, treat the tank with sodium chloride and other specific medications if there is evidence of infection. If the tetra shows any signs of disease, treat it immediately to save its life.

Black Skirt Tetra Care

Black skirt tetras are a popular freshwater fish to breed in the aquarium trade. They have several variations, such as the white skirt tetra and long fin black skirt tetra. Black skirt tetra care is similar to that of other tetras. You will need a tank, food, water conditions suitable for your fish, and a filtration system.

Black skirt tetras grow quickly and should be kept at maturity size in captivity. They are predatory fish and require plenty of food to thrive. In captivity, black skirt tetras eat flakes and pellets but may also feed on small live fish or even larger invertebrates. A diet high in protein is vital for black skirt tetra health and well-being.

Black skirt tetra lifespan in captivity can be up to 5 years. However, they are sensitive to poor water conditions so should be kept in optimal conditions with stable water parameters.

Tank Size

Black Skirt Tetra are small freshwater fish that can be kept in aquariums of all sizes. They are a species of bocopid catfish found in rivers, lakes, and streams in South America. These fish have a maximum size of 6 inches, making them suitable for smaller aquariums.

They are effective aquarium cleaners, feeding on food trapped in the substrate or breaking down fish food and waste. Black skirt tetra water parameters should be kept within a range of 6.0 to 8.0 pH, with a range of 5.0 to 19 dH. The temperature range for black skirt tetra is between 20 and 26°C (68 to 79°F), however they prefer slightly cooler temperatures.

They are available in packs of 10 at an average price of $2 each. Pickup is available at Ruth Morris Road location in Wimauma, Florida. These fish are popular among hobbyists due to their peaceful nature and unique feeding behavior.

Water Parameters

The Black Skirt Tetra is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia that can grow up to 12 inches long. They are facultative species, meaning they are able to survive in both freshwater and marine environments.

The Black Skirt Tetra is a popular aquarium fish due to its unique coloring and interesting behavior. The fish are omnivores, feeding on a wide range of food including flakes, pellets,worms,and brine shrimp.

They typically live for 3 years, though some aquarium specimens have reportedly lived longer in captivity. The black skirt tetra is omnivorous and loves variety in its diet so it is important to provide different types of food every day. These fish are relatively easy to care for and can live in aquariums with water temperatures between 70°F and 85°F and pH levels between 6.0 and 8.3.

Habitat and Tank Conditions

The black skirt tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a freshwater fish native to South America and prefers a water temperature range of 20 – 26°C (68 – 78.8°F). These fish require a pH range of 5.9–8.3 and a water hardness of 4–18°N (71.43–321.43 ppm).

They are also omnivorous and can be fed a varied diet, including live, frozen, and flake foods. These fish are peaceful and should be kept in schools of atita least 5 individuals. They are an attractive aquarium species that can be easily maintained and maintained. The black skirt tetra is a valuable addition to any aquarium tank where it can quickly populate the community with its colorful finnage.

Water Conditions

The Black Skirt Tetra is a fish that requires water conditions that are suitable for its long lifespan and high growth rate. The ideal temperature range for this fish is 70°F to 85°F (21 to 29 degrees Celsius). These parameters must be maintained at all times to ensure the fish’s long-term health and well-being. This species prefers water that is slightly acidic, with a pH level of between 6.0 and 7.5. The best practice is to ensure that the water in the aquarium is evenly distributed throughout this range.

The black skirt tetra is fairly resilient when it comes to varying water conditions, especially with respect to the pH level and the hardness of the water. It can tolerate water with a pH level as low as 3.0 and up to a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22 °C to 28 °C). Ideally, it should be kept at 73°F to 79°F (23°C to 26°C) for optimal health and growth.

The black skirt tetra requires water hardness levels between 5 and 20 dH, depending on their size and species requirements. They are also fond of aquariums with natural lighting, substrate composition, and aquatic vegetation. When keeping this species in an aquarium, it’s important to provide them with an adequate food supply and proper tank maintenance, such as regular water changes and aquarium cleaning.

Can Cherry Shrimp and Black Skirt Tetras Be Kept Together in an Aquarium?

Cherry shrimp and black skirt tetras can be kept together in an aquarium, but there are some challenges in cherry shrimp farming that need to be considered. While black skirt tetras are generally peaceful, they may occasionally snack on cherry shrimp fry. Ensuring sufficient hiding spots and providing adequate food can help overcome these challenges and ensure a harmonious environment for both species.

Conclusion

The black skirt tetra is a very beautiful freshwater fish that can be easily maintained in aquariums. They are omnivores and will eat well-balanced aquarium food consisting of live and frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also eat worms, insects, and snails. The black skirt tetra species is uncommon but not threatened.

However, they are still facing habitat loss due to aquarium hobbyists collecting them for home aquariums. A black skirt tetra tank can be set up with a gravel substrate and some vegetation such as live plants or driftwood branches. It can also be set up with hiding places such as caves and rocks. It would be interesting to see them dart out at vegetation floating by!