The black skirt tetra is a very popular fish for home freshwater aquariums. I have had the honor of keeping these beauties in my own tanks, but I was dissuaded from serious interest in the species by its uninteresting adult coloration.
Nevertheless, the black skirt tetra is a fascinating species, and its undemanding nature makes it ideal for beginning aquarium enthusiasts.
Know these ten interesting facts about the black skirt tetra.
1. The black skirt tetra is a member of the characin family, which also includes the piranha and the neon tetra.
2. Black skirt tetras are omnivores, but they prefer meaty foods as a staple. In the wild, they eat insects, crustaceans and worms. They usually accept flake food.
3. Adult black skirt tetras lose their juvenile coloration. After about one to two years of age, they lose their characteristic "skirt".
4. Female black skirt tetras are usually larger than males and have a wider anal fin. Otherwise, there are no obvious differences between male and female black skirt tetras.
5. A black skirt tetra has an average life expectancy of 3-5 years in captivity, but its life expectancy is much shorter in poorly-kept tanks.
6. Angelfish and bettas are incompatible with black skirt tetras; the tetras will eagerly nip th efins of slow-moving tankmates.
7. Black skirt tetras are sometimes confused with black phatom tetras, which are a completely distinct species.
8. Other names for the black skirt tetra include the black widow tetra, blackskirt, blackamoor, petticoat tetra or butterfly tetra.
9. In general, these frisky fish will breed in captivity. However, adult males often eat their own eggs.
10. As a schooling fish, black skirt tetras should be kept in groups of 3 or more at all times. They may become more aggressive if they are kept in social isolation.
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