How to Identify Genetically Modified Tetra

To identify Genetically Modified Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (modified)), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Artificially vibrant fluorescent colors including red, orange, green, blue, purple, and pink. These colors are stable and do not fade. The underlying body shape and fin structure are similar to the wild-type Black Skirt Tetra.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Intense, stable fluorescent coloration due to genetic modification., Absence of the three vertical black bars characteristic of the wild-type Black Skirt Tetra (though some variants may retain faint markings).

Dorsal fin

Small, triangular, located mid-body.

Tail fin

Forked, moderately sized.

Pectoral fin

Small, clear.

Distinctive fins

Large, flowing anal fin extending from behind the pelvic fins to the caudal peduncle, characteristic of Gymnocorymbus ternetzi.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The most obvious identifier is their intense, unnatural fluorescent color (red, green, orange, blue, purple, pink) which glows under specific lighting conditions, particularly blue or actinic light.

2. 2

   Absence of Wild Markings

   Unlike the wild Black Skirt Tetra, which has three distinct vertical black bars on its body, the genetically modified variants typically lack these markings, or they are extremely faint, overshadowed by the fluorescent pigment.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   They retain the characteristic deep, compressed body and large anal fin of the Black Skirt Tetra.

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