Black Skirt Tetra

The Black Skirt Tetra, also known as the Black Tetra or Black Widow Tetra, is a distinctive and popular freshwater schooling fish. Recognizable by their deep, laterally compressed black body with flowing black fins (which may fade to gray with age), these tetras are active swimmers that add drama to community tanks. They have a unique swimming style, often tilting as they move. Black Skirt Tetras are hardy, adaptable, and relatively easy to care for. However, they can be fin-nippers, so careful consideration of tank mates is important. Their striking appearance makes them a favorite for contrast in planted aquariums.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Black Skirt Tetras need adequate swimming space:

• Minimum 15 gallons (20+ recommended for schools)
• Keep in groups of 6 or more - reduces fin-nipping behavior
• Dark substrate enhances their coloration
• Moderate to bright lighting
• Moderate filter flow
• Heater to maintain 70-78°F
• Plants: Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, Amazon Swords

Important: Keeping them in proper school sizes (6+) helps minimize their tendency to nip fins.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 70-78°F (21-25.5°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5 (adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (2-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 25% water changes
• They are quite adaptable to various conditions
• Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures than many tropical fish

Feeding

Black Skirt Tetras are omnivores and easy to feed:

• High-quality flakes or pellets (staple)
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Live foods: occasional treats
• Vegetable matter: spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables

Feeding Schedule: 2 times daily. They are enthusiastic eaters.

Note: They are not picky eaters and will accept most prepared foods.

Behavior & Compatibility

Black Skirt Tetras are generally peaceful but can be fin-nippers:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Fast-swimming tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Lemon)
  • Rasboras (fast-moving varieties)
  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Platies
  • Swordtails
  • Mollies
  • Barbs (similar temperament)

• Avoid Housing With:

  • Long-finned fish (Betta Fish, Angelfish, Guppies with flowing tails)
  • Slow-moving fish
  • Very small fish that may be bullied
  • Large aggressive fish

Fin-nipping: This behavior is reduced when kept in proper schools but may still occur with slow or long-finned tank mates.

Coloration

Their appearance changes with age:

• Young: Deep black coloration
• Adult: May fade to dark gray with age
• Fins: Flowing black fins, longer on males
• Long-finned variety: Available with extended flowing fins

Enhancement: Dark substrate, good nutrition, and clean water help maintain color.

Health Considerations

Black Skirt Tetras are hardy but watch for:

• Ich: Quarantine new fish
• Fin rot: Watch for deteriorating fins
• Stress: Show stress through faded colors

Prevention: Maintain good water quality, provide proper school size, and avoid incompatible tank mates.