Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Blue Tang (Regal Tang)?
Incompatible pH. Black Skirt Tetra needs 6.0–7.5, Blue Tang (Regal Tang) needs 8.1–8.4.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Blue Tang (Regal Tang) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 75–82°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 3" | 12" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 15 gal | 75 gal | 75 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Black skirt tetras (also sold as black widow tetras) are hardy, easy-to-care-for schooling fish with a distinctive flowing black anal fin that gives them their name. They come in natural silver-and-black and various dyed/modified versions (GloFish). The natural form is the healthiest choice. They can be mild fin nippers in small groups but are generally well-behaved community fish.
Full care guide →Blue Tang (Regal Tang)
Paracanthurus hepatus
The blue tang — Dory from Finding Nemo — is one of the most recognizable marine fish with its vivid royal blue body, black palette marking, and yellow tail. While stunning, they grow large (up to 12 inches), are highly susceptible to ich, and need tanks of 75+ gallons. They are not beginner fish despite their popularity following the movies.
Full care guide →