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Sorry about the lateness of this thread, folks. Due to a misunderstanding, I have not had access to the computer today until just now.

This week will feature the first Characin in my series of articles. I’m going to profile the very common and very tough (for a tetra) black skirt tetra.

The black skirt tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, Moenkhausia ternetzi, Tetragonopterus ternetzi) is a Characin from parts of South America, most notably Brazil. They are found along calm, shady parts of several rivers, including the Rios Negro and Paraguay, among others. They like to hang out in the well-planted areas along the banks of these rivers, as the plants provide shade and cover from predators.

These fish are probably the hardiest tetras out there, and are also one of the most widely available. They are especially hardy if the owner of these fish plays by their rules. They like plenty of plants, especially along the back and sides of the tank. However, open swimming space is a must as well. Make sure to provide a balance of these things, to help this fish feel secure. Floating plants are a great idea, because they help to shade this Characin from too much light. The black skirt tetra, like most South American fish, prefers a tank with a lower pH (6.7) and soft water (dH 8), but they will thrive in just about any water type. There is no need to alter pH or hardness for this fish.

Black skirts are quite easy to feed. Flake foods work just great all the time, though mixing in live and frozen foods is greatly beneficial. A varied diet is essential to keeping fish at optimum health, and that certainly applies here.

These guys are large for tetras, but that isn’t saying much. They reach a maximum length of about 6 cm (2.4 inches), and can be kept in tanks as small as 75 liters (20 gallons). Remember though, they are schooling fish. I recommend keeping them in groups of no less than six fish, with more being better. This must be taken into account when stocking a tank with these fish.

Black skirts are great for community setups, as they are generally pretty peaceful. Tankmates aren’t bothered for the most part, though these fish may take a few nips at smaller fish, and fish with long fins. This nipping tendency is reduced or deflected within the school when these tetras are kept in groups, which is another plus of having quite a few of them. Dominant males are more likely to nip than females and smaller males, but this usually isn’t a major concern, especially if other fish have avenues of escape. The black skirt tetra is almost always a good addition to a peaceful tank.

The black skirt tetra has many names, and many faces. These fish are commonly known as (besides black skirt tetras) black tetras, black widow tetras, petticoat fish, skirt tetras, and have many variations to boot. They come in a long-finned variety, and in many different colors. Some of the different available colors include the white skirt tetras, and the dyed ‘fruit’ tetras. The dyed fish come in many bright and attractive colors, though they fade over time. Also, the dying process is very painful and stressful for the fish. I am 100% against the purchase of dyed fish, because dying is a cruel practice. If folks stop buying dyed fish, the market for them will disappear and there will be no reason to dye them.

I believe that each color (if not type) of black skirt should have its own school in a tank, though not everyone agrees with me. I feel that most fish school on sight, which means that (for example) six white skirt tetras will not school with six black skirt tetras. Other folks have observed the different varieties of this tetra hanging out in mixed groups, but this is usually because there aren’t enough of each type to form a school. As a result, the different kinds of black skirts will congregate together for more security. If there are at least five or six of each type, the different varieties will usually leave each other alone. Feeding time is a totally different matter, though!

Here are some photos of this fish:
The ‘normal’ black skirt:
[img] http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/sirbooks/gymnocorymbus_ternetzi3.jpg[/img]
The white skirt tetra:

The long-finned black skirt:


Sexing these tetras is the same as sexing many other tetras. Mature female black skirts (this does work with every color variation) are fuller-bodied and plumper than males, and females tend to have a more rounded dorsal fin. The body difference between the sexes is more obvious than that of the dorsal fin, though male and females of this species are similar when young.

I personally have not kept this delightful fish, but I know that they are worth what little effort it takes to keep them happy. They often will put on shows, with males chasing each other around the tank, and ‘displaying’ at each other, fins erect. This is probably the easiest Characin to keep, and one of the most fun.

[link=Week One- Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish)]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/General%20Freshwater/50279.html[/link]
Week Two- Carassius auratus (Common Goldfish)
[link=Week Three- Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Common Pleco)]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/General%20Freshwater/50899.html[/link]
[link=Week Four- Brachydanio rerio (Zebra Danio)]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/General%20Freshwater/51250.html[/link]
[link=Week Five- Colisa lalia (Dwarf Gourami)]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/General%20Freshwater/51591.html[/link]
[link=Week Six- Pterophyllum scalare (Angelfish)]http:// www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/General%20Freshwater/51903.html[/link][/font][/font][/font]

Last edited by sirbooks at 31-Dec-2004 08:05

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Excellent choice nick. This is my longest liveing fish that is still alive now. Really hardy and cheaper then dirt up here. Like 49cents each.

fish1

From what I've heard, I bet that they're hardy. Seems like it is tough to kill these fish, as long as they are cared for properly. They may even be hardier than my beloved lemon tetras, who have not once taken sick.

Any comments, correction, or condescending rants? Without feedback, I don't know whether I'm going in the right direction with these articles. Is there any more information that I should add to help newbies out, etc? I just want to make sure I'm doing a good job.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Books,

Nice job. Yep, definately the hardiest fish I've ever come across. They are like Sherman tanks. They were my very first tropicals and still going strong. They have survived every disaster I've thrown at them.

They never showed any sign of illness during my early days, never had Ich even avoided the Cammallanus outbreak I had months ago.

The perfect beginner fish.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

the only thing i question is reconmending putting them in a 10g. some of my original ones are huge and i can't imagine a school of those in a 10g having much room. i have cycled 3 tanks with black skirts, they are even hardier than zebra danios IME lol, otherwise another great article. and also could you perhaps add that they are sometimes called black widows? coz thats what they are called 'round here..

cfd

Last edited by catfish_dude at 30-Dec-2004 22:33

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Billy was a scientist, Billy is no more. For what he thought was H20, was H2SO4

I can vouch for the Black Widow Tetra's awesomeness, as I have some myself.

I did mention that they were called black widows: "These fish are commonly known as (besides black skirt tetras) black tetras, black widow tetras..."

I guess you're right about the ten gallon thing. I had forgotten that they reach two inches! I will correct that in the article, and recommend 20 gallons.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

ah yep i missed the common name bit, and its good you changed the min tank size to a 20g

cfd

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Billy was a scientist, Billy is no more. For what he thought was H20, was H2SO4

Plus they're cute!

there one of the few fish that r fast enuf to stay outta the jaws of rbp
very tuf fish n a great eater