Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Congo Tetra?
Black Skirt Tetra and Congo Tetra are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–82°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 30 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Congo Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 73–82°F | 73–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6–7.5 | 6–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3" | 3.5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 15 gal | 30 gal | 30 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Tank Requirements for Black Skirt Tetra + Congo Tetra
To keep Black Skirt Tetra and Congo Tetra together, you need at minimum a 30 gallon tank. Black Skirt Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Congo Tetra 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 →Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Congo tetras are the showstoppers of the tetra family. Males develop spectacular flowing fins with an iridescent rainbow sheen that shifts from blue to gold to green under aquarium lighting. They are larger than most tetras (up to 3.5 inches) and need a spacious, well-planted tank to display their full beauty. Peaceful but shy — they thrive with calm tank mates.
Full care guide →