White Skirt Tetra

How To Care For White Skirt Tetra

The White Skirt Tetra is a striking and resilient species popular for its beauty and ease of care, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced aquarists. Recognizable by its silvery-white body and long, flowing fins, the White Skirt Tetra’s graceful appearance adds elegance to any aquarium. The long fins often create a "skirt-like" effect as they swim, which is where the name comes from. They are a variant of the Black Skirt Tetra, distinguished by their lighter, more translucent coloration.

Native to the clear, slow-moving waters of South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, the White Skirt Tetra prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. In the wild, they inhabit rivers and streams with dense vegetation, making a planted tank with ample hiding places ideal for their well-being. They are quite hardy and adaptable, but they thrive best in stable water conditions with good filtration and gentle water movement.

White Skirt Tetras are peaceful and social fish that should be kept in schools of at least six individuals, which helps them feel secure and reduces stress. They are generally not aggressive, but the males may occasionally display competitive behavior, particularly during breeding. These tetras do well in community tanks with other peaceful species, though it is important to avoid overly aggressive fish that might harass them.

A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is suitable for a small group, but larger schools or tanks with other species may require 20 gallons (75 liters) or more. They are relatively easy to care for and do well with a variety of tankmates, including other tetras, small catfish, and peaceful livebearers.

Diet-wise, White Skirt Tetras are omnivorous, and they thrive on a varied diet consisting of high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They are also known to nibble on algae in the tank, which can help keep the tank cleaner.

To keep the White Skirt Tetra healthy, it’s important to maintain water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C) and to provide soft to moderately hard water with a hardness range of 4-12 dGH. Regular water changes, along with careful monitoring of water parameters, are essential to prevent stress and disease.

White Skirt Tetras typically live for 3-5 years and are relatively low-maintenance when provided with proper care. Their bright coloration and active, peaceful nature make them an ideal choice for community tanks, and they are a great option for beginners looking to add a stunning fish to their aquarium.