Black Widow Tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, the Black Widow or Black Skirt Tetra, is native to the Paraguay basin of Bolivia and Brazil. Its deep silver body with two bold black vertical bars and dramatically black-edged fins make it one of the most recognisable tetras in the hobby. Extremely hardy and adaptable, it tolerates a very wide range of water parameters and is recommended as a first tetra for new aquarists.

Water: 20–27°C, pH 6.0–8.0, tolerates a very wide range of hardness and conditions. Tank: 60 L minimum; works in almost any community setup; quite adaptable to decor styles. Feeding: Accepts virtually all prepared and frozen foods; a very enthusiastic feeder. Behaviour: Active schooling species; keep 6+; may nip fins of very long-finned fish. Compatibility: Excellent with most robust community fish; avoid slow long-finned species like bettas.