What size tank do black skirt tetras need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi.
How many black skirt tetras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if black skirt tetras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many black skirt tetras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 7 |
| 29 gallon | up to 11 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 15 |
| 55 gallon | up to 21 |
| 75 gallon | up to 28 |
| 125 gallon | up to 47 |
Check black skirt tetras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, black skirt tetras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
- It nips fins. Avoid slow tankmates with long, flowing fins.
Tank mates for black skirt tetras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Peppered corydoras
- Clown pleco
- Kuhli loach
- Honey gourami
- Panda corydoras
- Otocinclus
Poor matches
- Betta: Black skirt tetra nips fins and betta has long fins. Avoid this pair.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat black skirt tetra (about 2.4 in).
- Molly: They need different water: Black skirt tetra likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do black skirt tetras need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many black skirt tetras should be kept together?
At least 6. Black skirt tetras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can black skirt tetras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Black skirt tetra needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do black skirt tetras need?
70–81 °F (21–27 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can black skirt tetras live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Black skirt tetra nips fins and betta has long fins. Avoid this pair.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.