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Blackskirt Hifin Tetra

Longfin Blackskirt Tetra

Family: CharacidaeGymnocorymbus ternetziPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The quick darting movements of the Blackskirt Hifin Tetra defies the delicate nature of their fine long fins!

   A very commonly available fish, the Blackskirt Hifin Tetra or Longfin Blackskirt Tetra is a strain of fish developed from the Blackskirt Tetra. This fish makes a very good fish for the beginner. Like its predecessor it is also very popular and is readily available. It is very active and fast moving, but does have a tendency towards fin nipping. Because of this it should not be kept with smaller fishes, but will do very well in a community tank with larger fishes. These fish are a bit more difficult to breed than the Blackskirt Tetra, probably because of their being highly inbred already.

   The Blackskirt Hifin Tetras like a well lit tank with dense areas of bunched low vegetation, which leaves lots of open areas for swimming. Being a schooling fish they will appreciate the company of their own kind, a standard school is made up of about 7 fish. They are hardy at 70° F to 90° F, but are prone to develop ick if kept in colder temperatures.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Geographic Distribution Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Data provided by FishBase.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae

Habitat: Distribution / Background

   The BlackSkirt Tetra was described by Boulenger in 1895. They are found in South America in Paraguay and Guapore Basins where they inhabit the upper layers of the water feeding on worms, small crustaceans and insects. The Blackskirt Hifin Tetra or Longfin Blackskirt Tetra was first developed in Europe and today many are captive bred for the aquarium industry.

• Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
• Social Grouping: Groups
• IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed

Description

   The Blackskirt Hifin Tetra is a deep-bodied species and laterally compressed. It is distinguished by two vertical stripes and by what appears to be overly developed dorsal and anal fins. These make it appear as if though it has a "skirt". These already long fins have been specifically developed to the extreme on the Blackskirt Hifin Tetra variety to be extra long and flowing.

• Maximum Size: 2.3 inches (5.72 cm) - These fish get up to 2.25 inches (5.5 cm). They will breed at 1.5 inches.

Fish Keeping Difficulty

• Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
• Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Foods and Feeding

   Since they are omnivorous the Blackskirt Hifin Tetra will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.

• Diet Type: Omnivore
• Flake Food: Yes
• Tablet Pellet: Yes
• Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
• Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
• Meaty Food: Some of Diet
• Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day

Aquarium Care

• Water Changes: Bi-weekly

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gal (57 L) - Fifteen gallons is the least amount of space advisable to host a small school.
• Substrate Type: Any
• Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
• Temperature: 70.0 - 79.0° F (21.1 - 26.1° C)
• Range ph: 5.8-8.5
• Hardness Range: 3 - 30 dGH
• Brackish: No
• Water Movement: Moderate
• Water Region: All

Social Behaviors

   They are active and can be semi-aggressive fin nippers. They should be kept in a community aquarium with fish the same size or larger. With age they become a more sedentary fish.

• Venomous: No
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive - Relative to other tetras, Black Skirts have a tendency to be slightly more aggressive and fin nippers are not uncommon among this species.
• Compatible with:
  • Same species - conspecifics: Yes
  • Peaceful fish (): Monitor
  • Semi-Aggressive: (): Monitor
  • Aggressive: (): Threat
  • Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive

Sex: Sexual differences

   The male's dorsal fin is more narrowed and more pointed. A mature female is also more plump.

Breeding / Reproduction

   The Blackskirt Hifin Tetras are egg layers. See the description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

• Ease of Propagation: Easy

Availability

   The Blackskirt Hifin Tetra or Longfin Blackskirt Tetra is readily available and is inexpensive.

References

Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants

Author: Clarice Brough, CFS

• Skirt Tetra : $1.99
• Skirt Tetra : $3.99

Gymnocorymbus Ternetzi White Skirt Tetra Offered By: That Pet Place Price: $1.99

Skirt Tetra Offered By: PetsMart Price: $3.99

Lastest Comments on Blackskirt Hifin Tetra View all 2 comments on Blackskirt Hifin Tetra Add Your Comment

FishNewbie - 2009-03-08 I just bought 2 of these guys. For some reason, they have been harrassing my Mickey Mouse Platy even though they are the same size. My poor platy has been chased all day by both of the fish :( I hope they calm down Reply

Araceli - 2008-05-17 Hello. I have three hi-fin/black skirt tetras and I call them the three muskaters. They are very calm most of the time and very hardy. I know this because I am only 12 years old and have little experience with fish, but if something goes wrong with some of my equipment they don't die. I recommend these fish for, not for beginners, but for those that have a little more experience with tropical fish. It is a good idea if you do research on the ones you buy, that way they don't die. Reply

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