Black tetra

Taxobox
name = Black Widow Tetra

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image_width = 250px
status = secure
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Characiformes
familia = Characidae
genus = "Gymnocorymbus"
species = "G. ternetzi"
binomial = "Gymnocorymbus ternetzi"
binomial_authority = (Boulenger, 1895)

The black widow tetra ("Gymnocorymbus ternetzi")also known as the Black Skirt Tetra or simply the Black Tetra is a freshwater fishof the characin family (family Characidae) of
order Characiformes. It is native to the
Paraguay and Guaporé River basins of southern
Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia.

Growing to about 6 cm (2.5 in) total length, the black tetra has a roughly tetragonal body shape and is greyish in colour, fading from light at the nose to near black at the tail. Two prominent black vertical bars appear just posterior of the gills.

The black widow tetra feeds on small crustaceans, insects, and worms.

In the Aquarium

The black widow tetra is a common fish that can be readily acquired from aquarium dealers. It requires warm water (78 degrees F or 26 degrees C). This fish, like most tetras, needs soft, acid water, pH 6.5-6.8, with plenty of plants. Although not generally aggressive towards other species, black tetras can be violent amongst themselves, with weaker fishes often chased and nipped by their superiors. The black tetra is an omnivore and will eat nearly anything it can fit into its mouth, but care must be taken to ensure that all members of the school receive adequate food. If the food is too large, the tetra will lose interest and leave it to sink and decay, so the size of the food particles must be appropriate. It is best to keep a school of 5 black tetras in a medium tank.

Breeding

The black widow tetra reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age. They will spawn in water 78 degrees F. A separate spawning tank, heavily planted and at least 15 gallons, is recommended. Like most characins, black tetras spawn by intermittently releasing and fertilizing eggs among the plants. These fish are frequent egg-eaters and must be removed after spawning. The young are easy to raise, subsisting on newly hatched brine shrimp or powdered processed foods.

Other Names

The black widow tetra is also known as the blackamoor, blackskirt, black widow, butterfly tetra, or petticoat tetra. The black phantom tetra, "Hyphessobrycon megalopterus," is a distinct species. Note that the black neon tetra "Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi" is sometimes also called the black tetra.

ee also

*List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References

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* Innes, Dr William T. Exotic Aquarium Fishes. T.H.F. Publications, Inc, 1979.