Black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi)

Scientific name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Boulenger, 1895

Black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi)

The Black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 6 cm (2.4 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs water at 20–26°C (68–79°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: South America, Paraguay and Guapor? River basins to Argentina.

Black tetra care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
6 cm (2.4 in)
Temperature
20–26°C (68–79°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
5–19 dGH (89–339 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore

Biology

Occurs in the middle and upper water layers. Feeds on worms, small crustaceans and insects. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
7.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 pelagic
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
South America: Paraguay and Guapor? River basins to Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm

More tetras & characins

See all tetras & characins

Sources

Taxonomy, 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.

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