Black Skirt Tetra: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A hardy, deep-bodied tetra. Peaceful in a group of six or more, but known to nip long fins.
- Minimum tank
- 20 gallons
- Temperature
- 70–79°F
- Group size
- 6 or more
- Adult size
- 2.5 inMiddle of the tank
- Avoid keeping with bettas, angelfish or fancy guppies, whose fins it may nip.
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many black skirt tetras per tank size
The most you could keep if black skirt tetras were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Black skirt tetra, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 20+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Too small (needs 20+ gal) | |
| 20 gallon | Up to 9 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 14 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 20 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 27 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 37 | Plan this tank |
What you need for black skirt tetras in a 20-gallon tank
A starting setup: 6 black skirt tetras in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
20-gallon tank
- These fit a 20-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 75°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Black skirt tetra tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with black skirt tetras, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: betta, guppy, pearl gourami, angelfish, fancy goldfish, cherry shrimp, amano shrimp. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around black skirt tetras
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderBlack skirt tetra questions
What size tank does a black skirt tetra need?
At least 20 gallons for a group of 6. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many black skirt tetras can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?
Up to about 9 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do black skirt tetras need a heater?
Usually yes. Black skirt tetra does best at 70–79°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 20-gallon tank needs about 75 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with black skirt tetras?
Good matches include neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, Endler's livebearers, platies. They share a temperature range and temperament with black skirt tetras.