Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Cherry Barb?
Black Skirt Tetra and Cherry Barb are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–81°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Cherry Barb | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 73–81°F | 73–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6–7 | 6–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3" | 2" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 15 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Black Skirt Tetra + Cherry Barb
To keep Black Skirt Tetra and Cherry Barb together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Black Skirt Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Cherry Barb should be kept in a school of 6+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
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 →Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
Cherry barbs are one of the most peaceful barb species, making them ideal for community tanks. Males develop a deep cherry-red coloration when mature and in breeding condition, while females remain more subdued with brown-pink tones. Unlike their more boisterous relatives like tiger barbs, cherry barbs are gentle, shy, and compatible with even the most delicate tank mates.
Full care guide →