Difference between revisions of "Gymnocorymbus ternetzi"

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(Black tetra)
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|stub=No
 
|stub=No
 
|name=Black Widow tetra
 
|name=Black Widow tetra
|extra_common_names=Black Tetra, Skirt Tetra, Black Skirt Tetra, Butterfly Tetra, Black Widow Tetra, White Skirt Tetra, Petticoat Tetra, Goldskirt Tetra, Strawberry Tetra, Blueberry Tetra
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|extra_common_names=Black Tetra, Skirt Tetra, Black Skirt Tetra, Butterfly Tetra, Black Widow Tetra, White Skirt Tetra, Petticoat Tetra, Goldskirt Tetra, Strawberry Tetra, Blueberry Tetra, Blackamoor, High-fin Black skirt tetra
 
|species=Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
 
|species=Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
 
|extra_scientific_names=Moenkhausia ternetzi, Tetragonopterus ternetzi
 
|extra_scientific_names=Moenkhausia ternetzi, Tetragonopterus ternetzi
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The black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) also known as the black skirt tetra, petticoat tetra, high-fin black skirt tetra, black widow tetra and blackamoor, is a freshwater fish of the Characin family (Characidae).<ref> </ref>
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The black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), also known as the black skirt tetra, petticoat tetra, high-fin black skirt tetra, black widow tetra and blackamoor, is a freshwater fish of the characin family (Characidae).<ref>tetra</ref>
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It is native to the Paraguay River basin of south-central Brazil (mainly Pantanal region), Paraguay and northeast Argentina, but there are also populations in the upper Paraná and Paraíba do Sul Rivers that likely were introduced.<ref>tetra</ref> It was formerly reported from the Guapore River, but this population is part of G. flaviolimai, which is found throughout the Madeira River basin and was described in 2015.<ref>tetra</ref> The black tetra is often kept in aquariums.<ref>tetra</ref>
  
== Origin ==
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Growing up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) in length,<ref>tetra</ref> the black tetra has a roughly tetragonal body shape and is greyish in colour, fading from near black at the tail to light at the nose. Two prominent, black, vertical bars appear just posterior to the gills.<ref>tetra</ref> It is easily distinguished from all of its congeners by the presence of a dense field of dark chromatophores spread homogeneously over the posterior one half of the body unlike the lack of such pigmentation in all congeners.<ref>tetra</ref>
:Black widow or Skirt tetra is native to Bolivia, Brazil and northern Argentina where it can be found in the middle and upper water layers or river basins.<ref> </ref>
 
  
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The black widow tetra is a shoaling fish that feeds on small crustaceans, insects, and worms.<ref>tetra</ref>
  
== Sexing ==
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Contents
:Females are slightly bigger than males and have a larger belly. Males have a wider [[anal]] fin, and a narrower more pointed [[dorsal]] fin.
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In the aquarium
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edit
  
Body Shape and Size:
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Black tetras of the leucistic aquarium variant
Growing up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) the black tetra has a tetragonal body shape and grey colour fading from near black to the tail to light up the nose.<ref> </ref>
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The black skirt tetra is a common fish that is widely available for purchase.
  
Coloration:
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Hobbyists often provide live foods such as Daphnia and mosquito larvae, and frozen foods like bloodworms.[citation needed]
Sexual dimorphism in coloration is common among tetras. Males may display more vibrant and intense colors compared to females, particularly during the breeding season. Look for differences in the brightness, pattern, or iridescence of their markings.
 
  
Fin Differences:
 
Analyzing the fins can provide clues about the sex of tetras. Males may have more elongated or pronounced dorsal and anal fins, especially during the breeding period. Additionally, some species exhibit differences in the shape or size of other fins between males and females.
 
  
Egg Spot:
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In a home aquarium
In certain tetra species, females may have a small, visible egg spot near the anal fin. This spot mimics the appearance of eggs and plays a role in courtship and breeding behavior. However, not all tetras exhibit this feature.
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The species reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age. Like most characins, this species spawns by intermittently releasing and fertilizing eggs among plants. It frequently eats its own eggs, so keepers remove the fish after spawning.
  
Behavioral Cues:
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The lifespan in captivity is 3 to 5 years.<ref>tetra</ref>
Observing the behavior of tetras can offer insights into their sex. During the breeding season, males might engage in courtship rituals, such as displaying vibrant colors, fin flaring, and chasing females. Additionally, females may display a rounder abdomen when carrying eggs.
 
  
Courtship and Spawning Behavior:
 
Paying attention to courtship and spawning behavior can be a clear indicator of sex. Males often initiate courtship displays, actively pursuing females and participating in elaborate mating rituals.
 
  
It's important to note that these guidelines are general and may not be applicable to all tetra species. Some tetras may exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, making it challenging to differentiate between males and females without careful observation over time. Consulting species-specific literature or seeking advice from experienced aquarists can provide valuable insights for accurately sexing tetra fish in a particular aquarium.
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A green Glofish tetra
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The black tetra was also used to make genetically modified fish sold as GloFish (fluorescent colored fish), available in a wide variety of colors.
  
== Tank compatibility ==
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Similar names
:A peaceful community fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Keep with other peaceful community fish, but nothing with long fins as the Black Widow Tetra may nip, especially if kept in small numbers.
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edit
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The black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a separate species. The black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is sometimes also called the black tetra.
  
  
== Diet ==
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|Category=Fish, Fish (Freshwater), Characins, Tetras,
Tetra fish are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes a combination of both plant and animal matter. In their natural habitat, tetras typically consume small invertebrates, insects, larvae, and various types of aquatic plants.
 
 
 
In captivity, a well-balanced diet for tetra fish can consist of high-quality commercial flakes, pellets, and granules designed for tropical fish. Additionally, providing them with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia enhances their nutritional intake and supports their overall health. Offering a varied diet ensures that tetras receive the essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for vibrant coloration, growth, and reproductive health in an aquarium setting. Regular feeding, appropriate portion sizes, and maintaining water quality contribute to the well-being of tetra fish in captivity.
 
 
 
== Feeding regime ==
 
:Feed once or twice a day.
 
 
 
 
 
== Environment specifics ==
 
:Keep in a spacious tank with hiding places amongst plants as well as open swimming space. The tank should be mature and well filtered but without too much current. Avoid very bright lights.
 
 
 
 
 
== Behaviour ==
 
:A peaceful active shoaling fish.
 
 
 
 
 
== Identification ==
 
:Tall, oval-shaped and highly compressed they are noted for their curved anal fin which is quite long. It is almost as long as the entire rear half of the body. Two known true colour variations are available, the most well known being the Black Skirt Tetra which has a silver body colour while the fins are mostly black with two or three vertical bands on the body. The White Skirt Tetra lacks colour and the body is white, almost appearing pink, while the fins are mostly translucent. Long-fin varieties of both colours have been bred but are difficult to keep as they will fin-nip amongst themselves.
 
 
 
 
 
{{Categories
 
|Category=Fish, Fish (Freshwater), Characins, Tetras, Tetras, Shoaling Community Fish
 
}}
 
== Special Notes ==
 
:This species is one of those fish that is sometimes offered [[Dyed Fish|dyed]] (Many aquarists consider the dying of fish unethical, please read and understand fish dying before purchasing dyed fish).  They are often referred to as Fruit Loop Tetras.
 
 
 
:A natural variation of the Black Skirt Tetra is also the Petticoat or White Tetra.
 
 
 
:There are also 'painted' versions available. These fish are fed particular highly coloured food which alters their body colour. But they quickly loose this colour when taken home.
 
 
 
:Although  the term "[[Glofish]]" refers to genetically modified ''[[Danio rerio]]'', a new selection of genetically modified black skirts called "Glo-Tetra" has now become available in the pet trade.
 
 
 
 
== Pictures ==
 
== Pictures ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>

Latest revision as of 21:10, 2 November 2024

Black Widow tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi.JPG
Black Widow tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

57 Litres (15 US G.)

2.5-5.1cm (1-2 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.8 - 8

20-26.1°C (68 -79 °F)

8-12 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-6 years

Family

Characidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Black Tetra, Skirt Tetra, Black Skirt Tetra, Butterfly Tetra, Black Widow Tetra, White Skirt Tetra, Petticoat Tetra, Goldskirt Tetra, Strawberry Tetra, Blueberry Tetra, Blackamoor, High-fin Black skirt tetra

Additional scientific names

Moenkhausia ternetzi, Tetragonopterus ternetzi


The black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), also known as the black skirt tetra, petticoat tetra, high-fin black skirt tetra, black widow tetra and blackamoor, is a freshwater fish of the characin family (Characidae).[1] It is native to the Paraguay River basin of south-central Brazil (mainly Pantanal region), Paraguay and northeast Argentina, but there are also populations in the upper Paraná and Paraíba do Sul Rivers that likely were introduced.[2] It was formerly reported from the Guapore River, but this population is part of G. flaviolimai, which is found throughout the Madeira River basin and was described in 2015.[3] The black tetra is often kept in aquariums.[4]

Growing up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) in length,[5] the black tetra has a roughly tetragonal body shape and is greyish in colour, fading from near black at the tail to light at the nose. Two prominent, black, vertical bars appear just posterior to the gills.[6] It is easily distinguished from all of its congeners by the presence of a dense field of dark chromatophores spread homogeneously over the posterior one half of the body unlike the lack of such pigmentation in all congeners.[7]

The black widow tetra is a shoaling fish that feeds on small crustaceans, insects, and worms.[8]

Contents In the aquarium edit

Black tetras of the leucistic aquarium variant The black skirt tetra is a common fish that is widely available for purchase.

Hobbyists often provide live foods such as Daphnia and mosquito larvae, and frozen foods like bloodworms.[citation needed]


In a home aquarium The species reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age. Like most characins, this species spawns by intermittently releasing and fertilizing eggs among plants. It frequently eats its own eggs, so keepers remove the fish after spawning.

The lifespan in captivity is 3 to 5 years.[9]


A green Glofish tetra The black tetra was also used to make genetically modified fish sold as GloFish (fluorescent colored fish), available in a wide variety of colors.

Similar names edit The black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a separate species. The black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is sometimes also called the black tetra.


|Category=Fish, Fish (Freshwater), Characins, Tetras,

Pictures[edit]

Videos[edit]

External links[edit]

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