White TetraGoldskirt TetraFamily: Characidae Gymnocorymbus ternetziLatest Reader Comment - See More I have the skirted tetra that are dyed and there is nothing wrong with having them they are really colorful and everyone who comes to my house loves them. I... (more) Fish lady The White Tetra or Goldskirt Tetra is not only a good fish for the beginner, but a school of these fish are really striking in a community aquarium!White Tetra Contents A very commonly available fish, the White Tetra or Goldskirt Tetra is a strain of fish developed from the Blackskirt Tetra. Like its predecessor it is very hardy, undemanding, and easily bred. It is also very active and fast moving, but with 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. The White 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 also like a well lit tank with dense areas of bunched low vegetation which will leave lots of open areas to swim in. They are hardy at 70° F to 90° F, but are prone to develop ick if kept in colder temperatures. Along with a longfin or hifin version of the White Tetra, various strains have been developed that have a natural pink or blue coloration and called the Colored Skirt Tetra. These fish are often artificially dyed in various pastels colors and sold as Colored Tetras, or under various colored names such as the Blueberry Tetra, Strawberry Tetra, or Rainbow Tetra. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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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. Many are captive bred for the aquarium industry and the White Tetra or Goldskirt Tetra is a captive bred color morph.
The White Tetra is a deep-bodied species and laterally compressed. It is distinguished by what appears to be overly developed dorsal and anal fins. These make it appear as if though it has a "skirt", with most of its mass on the bottom half of the body. It is very light, almost transparent looking and lacks the black stripes of its parentage.
Since they are omnivorous the White Tetra or Goldskirt 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.
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.
The male's dorsal fin is more narrowed and more pointed. Also, the male's frontal portion of the "skirt" or anal fin is noticeably broad while the female's "skirt" tends to run parallel to the stomach line. A mature female is also more plump.
The White Tetra or Goldskirt Tetra are egg layers. See the description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.
The White Tetra or Goldskirt Tetra is readily available and is inexpensive.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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