
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
A medium-sized characin with a diamond-shaped body whose rear half is black and a large skirt-like anal fin. The black is deepest in juveniles and fades with age. Hardy and relatively tolerant of cool water.
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi is a characin from the Paraguay and Guapore basins down into Argentina. FishBase gives 7.5cm SL, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and a subtropical range of 20-26C, while Seriously Fish gives 20-26C, pH 6.0-7.0, 5-20 dGH and a base of at least 75 by 30cm, about 68 litres. The name comes from the black rear half of the near-diamond-shaped body and the black dorsal and anal fins; this is deepest in juveniles and greys out with age. In the wild it favours small, slow creeks with dense overhanging vegetation, and in the aquarium it works the middle and upper water actively. All trade fish are captive bred and undemanding about chemistry, and being subtropical it tolerates cooler water than most tropical characins.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Black Tetra lives 5-8 years.
The Black Tetra grows to About 6-7.5cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Black Tetra is 20〜26℃.
Origin
South America (Paraguay and Guapore River basins to Argentina)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
About 6-7.5cm SL
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
20〜26℃
Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 75 by 30cm, about 68 litres. It is active, so give it plenty of open swimming space with planted or wooded corners to retreat to. It is unfussy about decor.
Seriously Fish gives 20-26C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 5-20 dGH; FishBase gives pH 6.0-8.0, 5-19 dH and 20-26C and classes it as subtropical. It handles cooler water better than most tetras and can suit lightly heated tanks.
A robust community fish that mixes with livebearers, danios, rasboras, other tetras, Corydoras and small loricariids. Its deep body makes it a poor meal for larger cichlids. It is quick, so avoid very timid tank mates.
FishBase records worms, small crustaceans and insects in the wild. It takes dried food without complaint in the aquarium, and frozen bloodworm and Daphnia keep it in good condition.
Breeding is fairly straightforward. Spawn them in a dimly lit separate tank with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, or over a mesh the eggs can drop through. The eggs are adhesive, and the adults are removed afterwards.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. Long-finned selective forms are traded. The fading of the juvenile black as the fish matures is normal and not a sign of ill health.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Black Tetra is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Black Tetra is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Black Tetra typically reaches About 6-7.5cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Black Tetra feeds on: Dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Black Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026