Tank Setup
- Tank size: 15 gallons for a school of 6, 20+ for 8–10
- Plants: Moderate planting with open swimming areas
- Flow: Moderate — they enjoy some current
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 70–82°F — very tolerant of a wide range
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet & Feeding
Extremely easy to feed. They accept virtually all foods: flakes, pellets, frozen, freeze-dried, and even blanched vegetables. Feed twice daily, only what they consume in 2–3 minutes.
Tank Mates
Good with most community fish of similar size. Can be mild fin nippers with very long-finned species, so avoid bettas and fancy guppies. Pair well with other tetras, rasboras, barbs, corydoras, and small catfish.
GloFish Variant
The GloFish "Electric Green," "Starfire Red," and other colored versions are genetically modified black skirt tetras with fluorescent genes. Care requirements are identical to the natural form. They are not dyed or injected — the fluorescence is genetic and passed to offspring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do black skirt tetras nip fins?
They can, especially in small groups or cramped tanks. Keep 6+ together and avoid pairing with long-finned species to minimize this behavior.