Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Pictus Catfish?
Black Skirt Tetra and Pictus Catfish are compatible. Temperature overlap 75–81°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 55 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Pictus Catfish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–82°F | 75–81°F | 75–81°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3" | 5" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 15 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Tank Requirements for Black Skirt Tetra + Pictus Catfish
To keep Black Skirt Tetra and Pictus Catfish together, you need at minimum a 55 gallon tank. Black Skirt Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Pictus Catfish should be kept in a school of 3+. 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 →Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a intermediate-level freshwater fish growing to 5 inches. Peaceful temperament, minimum 55 gallon tank.
Full care guide →