Black Skirt Tetra – Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
The Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a classic freshwater schooling fish known for its hardy nature, peaceful temperament, and striking black-and-silver coloration. This beginner-friendly tetra is easy to care for and works well in planted aquariums, community tanks, and active freshwater setups.
Black Skirt Tetras are adaptable fish that do best in groups, where they feel more secure and display natural schooling behavior. Their bold contrast and steady movement make them a reliable choice for both new and experienced aquarium hobbyists.
Key Features
- Classic black and silver freshwater tetra
- Hardy and beginner-friendly
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Easy to care for in stable aquarium conditions
- Great for planted tanks and beginner setups
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
- Common Name: Black Skirt Tetra
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful; may be slightly nippy if kept in small groups
- Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 1–1.5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Black Skirt Tetras?
Black Skirt Tetras are one of the best beginner tetra species because they are hardy, adaptable, and easy to feed. Their bold black fins and silver body give them a timeless aquarium look that fits well in many freshwater setups.
They are active schooling fish and do best when kept in a proper group. Keeping 6 or more helps reduce stress, encourages natural behavior, and can help limit fin-nipping toward tankmates.
Ideal Tank Setup
Black Skirt Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and darker backgrounds help them feel secure while showing off their black and silver coloration.
A 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a group because these tetras are active swimmers. Maintain clean water with regular maintenance and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Guppies with caution
- Platies
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Otocinclus
- Snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Very slow-moving fish
- Long-finned fish if the group is too small
- Betta fish
- Very timid nano fish
- Aggressive or predatory fish
Diet & Feeding
Black Skirt Tetras are omnivores and accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. Feed quality flake food, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Provide open swimming space
- Add plants or decor for cover and comfort
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid keeping with slow long-finned fish if fin-nipping occurs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Skirt Tetras good for beginners?
Yes. Black Skirt Tetras are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for, making them a great beginner freshwater fish.
How many Black Skirt Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Black Skirt Tetras peaceful?
Yes. They are generally peaceful schooling fish, but they may become slightly nippy if kept in too small of a group.
Can Black Skirt Tetras live with guppies?
They can live with guppies in some setups, but use caution with long-finned guppies. A larger group of Black Skirt Tetras and enough swimming space can help reduce nipping.
How big do Black Skirt Tetras get?
They typically reach approximately 2–2.5 inches as adults.
What do Black Skirt Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and activity.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Black Skirt Tetras are hardy peaceful schooling fish for beginner aquariums, planted tanks, and freshwater community setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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