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Black Skirt Tetra

Seguro

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

Também conhecido como: Black Tetra, Petticoat Tetra, Blackamoor, Butterfly Tetra

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Descrição

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, commonly known as the Black Skirt Tetra, is a popular freshwater fish belonging to the family Characidae. It is characterized by its distinctive black and silver coloration, particularly prominent in its juvenile stage. As it matures, the black coloration tends to fade, especially in the posterior half of the body and fins. This species is known for its schooling behavior and relatively peaceful temperament, making it a favored choice for community aquariums.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo
compressed
Coloração
Juveniles exhibit a silvery body with three prominent vertical black bars, the first passing through the eye, the second behind the operculum, and the third across the anterior part of the body. The posterior half of the body and the anal fin are typically black. As they mature, the black pigmentation often fades, becoming more grayish, especially in the body, while the anal fin retains a darker hue. Long-finned varieties have elongated dorsal and anal fins.
Tipo de escama
cycloid
Posição da boca
terminal
Características distintivas
Three vertical black bars on a silvery body (more pronounced in juveniles), Large, flowing anal fin, especially in males and long-finned varieties, Deep body shape
Nadadeira dorsal
Small, triangular, located mid-body, often with a black tip.
Nadadeira caudal
Forked, transparent to slightly dusky.
Nadadeira peitoral
Small, clear, located just behind the operculum.
Nadadeiras características
Anal fin is notably large and elongated, extending from the ventral region almost to the caudal peduncle, often black or dusky.

Dicas de identificação

Coloration

Look for the characteristic three vertical black bars on a silvery body, especially in younger specimens. The large, often black, anal fin is also a key identifier.

Body Shape

Its deep, laterally compressed body distinguishes it from many other slender tetra species.

Fin Structure

The prominent, elongated anal fin is a defining feature, particularly in mature individuals and males.

Habitat

Tipo de água
freshwater
Profundidade
Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, often near the surface or mid-water column.
Ambiente
Native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and tributaries, as well as floodplains and ponds. They prefer areas with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and leaf litter, which provide shelter and foraging opportunities. Water is often clear to blackwater.
Distribuição geográfica
Native to the Guapor, Paraguay, and Paran River basins in South America, including parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Informações sobre aquário

  • Nível de cuidado: beginner
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Alimentação: omnivore
  • Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small school
  • Temperatura: 20-26 C (68-79 F)
  • Nível de pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Dureza da água: 5-19 dGH
  • Compatibilidade: Excellent for community tanks with other peaceful, similarly sized fish. Avoid keeping with fin-nipping species or very small, slow-moving fish.
  • Requisitos especiais: Requires a well-planted aquarium with open swimming spaces. Best kept in schools of 6 or more individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. Dim lighting can enhance their coloration.

Informações no ambiente natural

  • Estado de conservação: least concern
  • Sazonalidade: Breeds year-round in suitable conditions, with peak activity often coinciding with rainy seasons in their natural habitat.
  • Preço de mercado: Low to moderate for common varieties; higher for long-finned or color morphs.
  • Importância comercial: high
  • Sabor: Not typically consumed due to small size.
  • Textura: Not typically consumed due to small size.
  • Valor nutricional: Not typically consumed due to small size.

Fatos principais

Color Fadingbehavior

The intense black coloration of juvenile Black Skirt Tetras often fades significantly as they mature, becoming more grayish. This is a natural process and not indicative of poor health.

Long-Finned Varietiesinteresting

Selective breeding has produced popular long-finned varieties, which are often more delicate and prone to fin-nipping by other fish.

Schooling Behaviorbehavior

Black Skirt Tetras are obligate schooling fish. Keeping them in groups of six or more is crucial for their well-being, reducing stress and preventing nipping behavior towards other tank mates.

Albino and Gold Morphsinteresting

In addition to the standard and long-finned varieties, albino and gold color morphs have also been developed through selective breeding for the aquarium trade.

Informações de segurança

Seguro
  • Nível de segurança: safe
  • Venenoso: Não
  • Comestibilidade: not recommended
  • Observações de manuseio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish care. They are not venomous and do not possess sharp spines that pose a significant threat. Handle gently to avoid stress or injury to the fish.

Espécies similares

Buenos Aires Tetra

Hyphessobrycon anisitsi

Lacks the distinct vertical black bars and has a more reddish caudal fin base. Generally more active and can be fin-nippers.

Serpae Tetra

Hyphessobrycon eques

Possesses a single, comma-shaped black spot behind the gill plate and typically has red coloration, especially in the fins. Body shape is generally more slender.

Phantom Tetra (Black)

Megalamphodus megalopterus

Has a distinct black humeral spot and a more rounded, less elongated anal fin. Males have a more pronounced dorsal fin.

Classificação científica

Reino
Animalia
Filo
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordem
Characiformes
Família
Characidae
Gênero
Gymnocorymbus
Espécie
ternetzi

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