Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) | Live Freshwater Community Fish

Local Pickup Only — Black Skirt Tetras are available for in-store pickup at our Lawrenceville showroom (1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville, GA). Live fish are not shipped from Squeaky's Aquatics — please plan to pick up in person.

The Black Skirt Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) — also known as the Black Widow Tetra — is a hardy, peaceful schooling fish with dramatic silvery-black bodies and flowing fins that fan out like a skirt. A staple beginner-friendly community fish, this South American native is one of the easiest tetras to keep, making it a great pick for new aquarists or anyone building a planted community tank. Browse more freshwater livestock and community fish on our site.

Care Guide

• Care Level: Beginner — extremely hardy and forgiving
• Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger (school of 6 or more)
• Schooling: Keep in groups of 6+ — solo or small groups can become nippy and stressed
• Diet: Omnivore — high-quality flake, micro pellets, and frozen/live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
• Aquascape: Densely planted tank with open swimming space; soft substrate and driftwood replicate their natural habitat
• Lighting: Moderate; subdued lighting brings out their best color
• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

Specifications

Compatibility

Black Skirt Tetras are peaceful when kept in groups of six or more, but lone or small-group tetras can become fin-nippers — keep them in proper schools to bring out their best behavior. They thrive in community tanks with similarly sized, calm tankmates.

Good tank mates: Neon Tetras, Zebra Danios, Cory Catfish, platies, swordtails, peaceful rasboras, and small plecos.

Avoid: Long-finned bettas, fancy guppies, and angelfish — Black Skirts may nip flowing fins. Skip aggressive cichlids and any fish small enough to be eaten.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — high-protein staple flake
• Seachem Prime Water Conditioner — essential for tap-water changes
• Browse all fish foods for variety feeding
• All freshwater supplies

FAQ

How many Black Skirt Tetras should I buy?
At minimum, six. They are a true schooling species — fewer than six and they often become stressed and start nipping. A group of 8–10 looks fantastic in a 20+ gallon tank.

Will they nip my other fish?
Properly schooled Black Skirts are peaceful, but they can nip slow, long-finned tankmates like fancy guppies and bettas. Skip those and stick with similar-sized, active community fish.

Are Black Skirt Tetras good for beginners?
Yes — they are one of the most beginner-friendly tetras. Hardy across a wide range of water conditions, easy to feed, and tolerant of typical tap-water swings.

Can I pick these up the same day?
Yes, this listing reflects live in-store stock. We recommend calling or messaging ahead for large groups so we can bag and acclimate them properly for the trip home.