Black Widow tetra

Common name(s) Black Widow tetra, Black tetra Picture of Black Widow Tetra

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Synonyms

Size Around 2" (5cm) or slightly larger.

Origin South America: Brazil and Paraguay

Tank setup A planted tank, with open swimming space.

Compatibility Generally a peaceful community fish - long-finned varieties may fall victim to fin nippers. Occasionally known to nip the fins of other fish, but this is not normally a problem when kept as a shoal.

Temperature 21-27^oC (70-81^oF)

Water chemistry A wide range tolerated, but soft and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) prefered.

Feeding Omnivorous: live, frozen and dry foods.

Sexing Females are slightly larger with a rounder body. Males may show white spots on the tail fin.

Breeding Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants and hatch in about a day. Being a typical egg scatterer, the parents will eat the eggs if given the opportunity.

Comments An undemanding species which is often recommended for the beginner. A number of colour and long-finned varieties have been produced.

Back to Home page

This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Black Widow tetra, Black tetra	Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Synonyms
Size	Around 2" (5cm) or slightly larger.
Origin	South America: Brazil and Paraguay
Tank setup	A planted tank, with open swimming space.
Compatibility	Generally a peaceful community fish - long-finned varieties may fall victim to fin nippers. Occasionally known to nip the fins of other fish, but this is not normally a problem when kept as a shoal.
Temperature	21-27^oC (70-81^oF)
Water chemistry	A wide range tolerated, but soft and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) prefered.
Feeding	Omnivorous: live, frozen and dry foods.
Sexing	Females are slightly larger with a rounder body. Males may show white spots on the tail fin.
Breeding	Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants and hatch in about a day. Being a typical egg scatterer, the parents will eat the eggs if given the opportunity.
Comments	An undemanding species which is often recommended for the beginner. A number of colour and long-finned varieties have been produced.