Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Firemouth Cichlid?
Black Skirt Tetra and Firemouth Cichlid may coexist with careful monitoring, adequate space, and hiding spots.
Conditions: Minimum 30 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Firemouth Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 75–86°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6.5–8 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 3" | 6" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 15 gal | 30 gal | 30 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Black Skirt Tetra + Firemouth Cichlid
To keep Black Skirt Tetra and Firemouth Cichlid together, you need at minimum a 30 gallon tank. Black Skirt 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 →Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
Firemouth cichlids are one of the most beginner-friendly Central American cichlids. Named for their striking red/orange coloration on the throat and belly, they are less aggressive than most cichlids of their size. When threatened, they flare their gill covers to display their bright red throat — a bluffing display that is far more bark than bite.
Full care guide →