Aquarium Water Parametersĭespite the relative hardiness of other tetras, black skirt tetras are more sensitive to water parameters and chemical imbalances. Tank owners can purchase the best fit for their budget and aquarium without sacrificing quality. This equipment comes in a range of sizes, capacity, and expenses.
A thermometer is also recommended to ensure the tank is in a comfortable range. Heating: These fish need warmer water to survive, and so a heater is required to ensure the water doesn’t drop to dangerously cold temperatures.Filters are required, though several different types will suffice: hang on back (HOB), undergravel, and internal filters will all work. Filtration: Clean water is a must for all species of fish, regardless of sensitivity or maintenance.Lighting: Lighting is required for all aquariums, especially if you use live plants, but black skirt tetras prefer low lighting because of this, try to use low-light plants and purchase a lighting system that is adjustable or has different modes.Leaf litter and driftwood (specifically with roots or thin branches) are also recommended for optimal coloring and confidence.īlack skirt tetras are not high maintenance fish and will thrive in a variety of environments as long as the water is clean and warm, and they have plants (live or fake) and décor to interact with. Live plants with broad leaves and a darker substrate recreate their habitat and bring out their more natural behaviors. Basic Tank Setup for Black Skirt Tetrasīecause of their schooling needs and preference for both plants and open swimming space, it is recommended to house black skirt tetras in aquariums of at least 20 gallons.Ĭommunity setups should be housed in larger tanks to avoid territory and mating-driven aggression from all species. This species is naturally curious and enjoys exploring the lower levels of water, such as through mazes of tree roots and near the base or middle of plants.
Despite this, they are generally territorial and somewhat aggressive and will drive off even larger species during the mating season.īlack skirt tetras prefer areas with both heavy plant cover and space for open swimming so that they can hide and chase in turn. They inhabit warmer waters that may have a low to high water flow and feature a variety of other inhabitants. In the wild, black skirt tetras can be found in large schools in southern Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia.
This pale coloring will stay with them for the majority of their life, which can range from 3 to 5 years. This coloring has also given rise to a second, similarly-apt nickname: the black widow.īut upon reaching maturity (generally the one-year mark), only one of these characteristics will remain: their colors will gradually fade and eventually leave behind a pale coloring.
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They also have very full and long black dorsal and anal fins, hence their common name. They have two or three vertical black stripes on the front half of their body, near their eyes and gills. These small, two-inch fish are most recognizable for their coloring and fins.
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