Size
2.5 inches.
Physical Appearance and Characteristics
This tetra’s half-black coloration and distinctively curled anal fin make it simple to identify in a fish aquarium. This fish has black dorsal and anal fins, as well as the remainder of its tail. Two incomplete black vertical bars add attention to the front silver part. The color of the fish may become lighter or deeper depending on how it is feeling. In captivity, there are now well-known color and fin morph breeds. Although the black tetra is a beneficial fish for community tanks, it can be hostile toward species that move slowly or have long fins. Fish that are properly grouped together have kinetic energy that stays within the community and doesn’t harm the environment outside of it. Despite having a monochrome color scheme, it stands out among species of a comparable size but less visually appealing because of its distinctive pattern and behavior. The effect is especially dramatic when sustained in large gatherings of at least a dozen people.
Habitat
Subtropical, 20° to 26°C (68° to 78°F), with a wide range of hardness and pH.
Keeping and Proper Care in a Tank
- Tank Size and Water
Due to its high level of activity, black skirt tetra must be kept in tanks with a minimum capacity of 15 gallons that are roomy. The fish prefers soft, acidic water with fluctuations rather than strong light. Due to the fish’s ability to jump, closing the tank is important because the fish could perish outside.
This type of fish thrives in an aquarium with a sandy bottom, lots of tangles, and fallen leaves, which give the water in the tank a brownish color and an acidic taste. The care of aquariums is routine and the same as for other fish. A filter and a weekly water renewal of up to 25% of the total water volume are typical requirements.
The best water parameters are temperature between 21 and 27 °C (70 and 81 °F), pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and dGH between 5 and 20.
- Feeding
Black tetra don’t require much in the way of feed, therefore any live, frozen, or artificial meal will do. The fish prefer flakes and other feed materials that float on the water’s surface.
- Tank Mates
Tetra can be kept in a tank with other little Characins due to its calm disposition. The mixed aquarium is perfect for the black tetra. Fish must be kept in schools because they grow violent when left alone. It is best to keep it separate from smaller fish and long-finned fish.
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