HomeFreshwater aquarium fishTetras & characinsBlack morpho tetra Black morpho tetra (Poecilocharax weitzmani) Scientific name: Poecilocharax weitzmani G?ry, 1965 The Black morpho tetra (Poecilocharax weitzmani) is a freshwater fish of the family Crenuchidae that grows to about 4 cm (1.6 in). It is peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 55 L (15 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 5.2–6.5. Native range: South America, Upper Solim?es, Upper Negro, and Upper Orinoco River basins. Black morpho tetra care at a glanceTemperamentPeacefulCommunity tankGoodAdult size4 cm (1.6 in)Minimum tank55 L (15 US gal)Temperature24–28°C (75–82°F)pH5.2–6.5DietOmnivore. Accepts flakes, pellets, freeze-dried foods, bloodworms and brine shrimp. Species factsScientific namePoecilocharax weitzmaniFamilyCrenuchidae (South American darters)OrderCharaciformes (Characins)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length4.0EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 5.2 - 6.5; dH range: ? - 5 benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionSouth America: upper Solim?es, upper Negro, and upper Orinoco River basins.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercial More tetras & characinsGreen neon tetraParacheirodon simulansGlass bloodfinPrionobrama filigeraGlass tetraMoenkhausia oligolepisRoyal tetraInpaichthys kerriStriped pike-characinBoulengerella lateristrigaRosy tetraHyphessobrycon rosaceusSee all tetras & characins SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026