The Black Widow Tetra is a schooling fish that comes Rio Paraguay, Rio Guapore and Bolivia in South America. They are best kept in groups of six or more to create a healthy, happy school of fish. Avoid housing them in the same tank as smaller fish (particularly those with long, flowing fins) as Black Widows do occasionally nip.
Black Widow Tetras originate from the small, slower tributaries and creeks of the Guapore and Paraguay Rivers in Brazil, where the forest canopy provides both shade and food. They congregate near the surface of the water where they eat insects, crustaceans and small worms.
One of the best-known members of the tetra family, the Black Widow Tetra is easily recognised by the distinctive black dorsal and anal fins, and vertical black stripes on its body.
Black Widow Tetras remain relatively small, reaching an adult length of approximately 5cm. Hybrids, such as the long-finned varieties, tend to be a bit larger.
A schooling fish by nature, the Black Widow Tetras are best kept in groups of at least six or more. They make an excellent community fish due to their peaceful nature however they sometimes known to nip the fins of slower-moving fish, particularly those with long, flowing fins such as Siamese Fighters or Angelfish.
They readily accept virtually any food, including live, fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or flake foods. For the breed’s optimal health, provide a variety of foods, which can include high-quality flake foods, brine shrimp, and any type of worms, as well as vegetable supplements such as spirulina.
- Species – Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
- Common Name – Black Widow Tetra
- Origin – Rio Paraguay, Rio Guapore and Bolivia in South America.
- Diet – Omnivores
- PH Range – 6.0 – 7.5
- Water Type – Soft
- Temperature – Tropical 22°c – 26°c
- Breed Type – Egg Layer
- Current Size – approximately 4cm (Grows to approximately 5cm)
- Sex – Un-sexed
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