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Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Characins > Blackskirt Hifin Tetra


Blackskirt Hifin Tetra
Characins Index

Blackskirt Hifin Tetra

Longfin Blackskirt Tetra Family: Characidae Blackskirt Hifin Tetra or Longfin Blackskirt Tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough
Latest Reader Comment - See More
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 ... (more)  Araceli  2008-05-17

   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

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

Distribution:
   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.

Status:
   There are no wild populations of this captive bred variety.

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.

Size - Weight:
   These fish get up to 2.25 inches (5.5 cm). Will breed at 1.5 inches.

Care 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.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Hardness: to 30° dGH
   Ph: 5.8 to 8.5
   Temp: 70-79° F (21-26° C)

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.

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.

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

Authors: Clarice Brough, CFS





Latest Comments
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.
Araceli
2008-05-17

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