Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Agressive

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Black Tetra, also known as the Black Skirt Tetra or Black Widow Tetra, has a large distribution throughout Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. All Black tetra available within the aquarium trade are captive or commerically produced. One of the hardiest tetras out there, the Black tetra adds a nice contrast to more colorful fish species in the aquarium with their silver bodies and dark grey to black fins. Some individuals may appear more washed out on lighter substrates. Black tetras are natural shoaling fish, thriving best with at least 6 individuals but more are encouraged. This tetra are a bit of a gregarious species and with too few individuals can result in them harassing other tank mates. An adult Black tetra can reach a size of approximately 2.5″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Black tetra are omnivores. In the aquarium, Black tetra are among some of the most unfussy with regard to food. Nevertheless, offer a diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 10 to 15 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Black tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal or to lessen the liklihood of aggression toward tank mates. Black tetra are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. Given their ease of care, Black tetra are also an excellent choice for beginner hobbyists. Black tetra are a very adaptable species to a wide range of water parameters. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a shoal of Black tetra happy, but plants, driftwood and other natural-looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this tetra. Black tetra form loose hierarchies, and this social structure is important to avoid this tetra being more prone to nip at other tank mates. Black tetra are very diverse in their compatability; given their bigger and rounder adult size, Black tetra can be mixed with some larger fish species (such as angelfish, certain South American cichlids) but can also be mixed with other typical community-type fish. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1” to 1-1/4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.