The black skirt tetra is a deep-bodied characin from the Paraguay and Guapore river basins, recognised by its silvery-grey body, twin black bars and dark flowing anal fin.
Larger and sturdier than most tetras, it is a long-standing community favourite.
It is hardy and adaptable, tolerating a range of conditions, which makes it beginner-friendly.
Be wary of dyed or injected colour variants, which raise welfare concerns and often show reduced vitality.
Housing
Keep a shoal of at least six in 75 litres (20 gallons) or more, filtered and heated to 22-27C.
Their adult size and active swimming call for more horizontal space than tiny tetras, with planted edges and driftwood framing open swimming room.
They accept a range of soft to moderately hard water but value stability most.
A well-cycled tank with steady parameters and gentle to moderate flow suits their robust temperament.
Diet
Black skirts are unfussy omnivores.
A quality flake or pellet forms a reliable staple, rotated with frozen or live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, plus occasional plant-based or algae food for balance.
Feed small amounts once or twice daily, only what is consumed in a minute or two.
They eat enthusiastically and can outcompete shy tankmates, so make sure slower feeders also reach the food.
Health
These are among the more disease-resistant tetras, with most problems traceable to chilling, poor water quality or stress.
Ich and fin rot are the usual concerns and respond well to corrected conditions and early treatment.
Long-finned varieties are more prone to fin nipping and damage.
Quarantine new stock, maintain weekly partial water changes, and avoid dyed or injected colour-variant fish, which carry higher disease and mortality risk.
Temperament
Generally peaceful but semi-active, black skirts can become nippy, especially toward long, flowing fins, when kept in groups that are too small.
A shoal of six or more diffuses this behaviour and keeps them calmer.
They suit lively community tanks with similarly sized, robust species and open swimmers.
Avoid pairing them with slow, long-finned fish such as bettas or fancy guppies, and keep them in numbers to reduce fin-nipping.
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner