CheckMyFishTankBlack Skirt Tetra care
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A hardy, active schooling fish that grows a little larger than most tetras.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.
Nips the fins of slow fish with long fins.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Black Skirt Tetra in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
- Discus: Discus and Black Skirt Tetra need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Black Skirt Tetra.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
- Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
- Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
- Blue Acara: Blue Acara grows big enough to eat Black Skirt Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Black Skirt Tetra need?
At least 20 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 2.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Black Skirt Tetra like?
70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Black Skirt Tetra should I keep together?
Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Black Skirt Tetra eat?
Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes, a little more for bigger fish.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.