Black Skirt Tetra

How To Care Black Skirt Tetra

The Black Skirt Tetra is a popular aquarium fish known for its distinctive, dark body and flowing fins, which give it an elegant appearance as it swims. These tetras have a graceful, long fin structure, often resembling a skirt, which is where they get their name. With their hardy nature and attractive look, Black Skirt Tetras are a great choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.

Native to South American waters, primarily in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, Black Skirt Tetras prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They thrive in well-planted aquariums with gentle filtration, as they naturally inhabit slow-moving, vegetated streams. A soft substrate and a few hiding places can help replicate their natural habitat, offering both security and grazing opportunities.

In terms of behavior, Black Skirt Tetras are peaceful and social fish that should be kept in schools of at least six individuals. This schooling behavior helps them feel secure and reduces stress, as they are naturally found in groups in the wild. The males may display slightly more territorial behavior during breeding, but overall, they are non-aggressive and do well in community tanks with other similarly-sized, peaceful species.

A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is suitable for a small group, but larger groups or tanks with other species may require 20 gallons (75 liters) or more. Black Skirt Tetras are not picky about their tankmates and get along well with other peaceful fish, such as other tetras, small catfish, and livebearers.

The diet of Black Skirt Tetras is omnivorous, and they will accept a variety of foods, including high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Their small size means they may also enjoy grazing on algae in the tank, contributing to keeping the aquarium environment clean. Offering a balanced diet is important for their health and longevity.

For optimal care, Black Skirt Tetras should be kept at a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C) and in soft to moderately hard water with a hardness of 4-12 dGH. Regular water changes and proper filtration are key to maintaining their health, as clean water is crucial for this species.

Black Skirt Tetras typically live for 3-5 years and are considered low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a hardy, attractive species to add to a community tank. Their calm demeanor, combined with their stunning appearance, makes them a delightful addition to any aquarium.