The Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a hardy, peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its translucent silver body and flowing black fins resembling a skirt. It is an active schooling species, ideal for community aquariums.
Out of Stock
The Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a hardy, peaceful freshwater fish recognized by its translucent silver body and flowing black fins resembling a skirt. It is an active schooling species, ideal for community aquariums.
Slender, silver body with large, flowing black fins, giving a 'skirted' appearance. Adults reach up to 2 inches (5 cm). Males may have slightly more elongated fins than females.
5–7 years with proper care
Omnivorous — feeds on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
Black Skirt Tetras are hardy, peaceful, and visually striking fish. Their flowing black fins, schooling behavior, and adaptability make them a great choice for community and beginner aquariums.
Easy to Moderate — hardy, tolerant of a wide range of water parameters, but prefers to be in schools.
20 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.5
2–15 dGH
70–82°F (21–28°C)
2 inches (5 cm)
Compatible with other peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, small livebearers, dwarf gouramis, and peaceful shrimp/snails.
Avoid aggressive or much larger fish that may bully or eat them. Slow-moving or long-finned fish may have their fins nipped.
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Characidae
Paraguay and Guaporé River Basins, South America
Schooling fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Provide a balanced diet of flakes, micro-pellets, and occasional live/frozen foods to maintain health and coloration.
Egg scatterer. Spawns over fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults do not guard eggs and should be removed after spawning to prevent predation.
Requires a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5, temperature 76–80°F / 24–27°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming in 4–5 days. Feed fry initially with infusoria, then transition to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C), Hardness: 2–15 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Prone to ich, fin rot, and stress if water quality is poor or if not kept in adequate school sizes.
Peaceful, schooling fish; can show mild fin-nipping if kept in small groups.
Peaceful and schooling. Prefers mid-level tank areas with open swimming spaces and some plant cover. Can show mild fin-nipping if kept in insufficient numbers.
Native to the Paraguay and Guaporé river basins in South America, the Black Skirt Tetra is highly adaptable and hardy, making it a favorite among beginner aquarists. Best kept in schools of 6 or more, it exhibits synchronized schooling behavior, adding movement and character to community tanks. Thrives in planted tanks with moderate lighting and gentle water flow. Can tolerate a range of water parameters, making it easy to maintain.