Black widow tetras are tough and easy to care for, black widow tetras (or black skirt tetras) are schooling fish, contrary to their name, they come in many colors, while
wild black widow tetras are dark in color, consider multiple varieties Captive-bred colors, and at least six or seven specimens, will create a healthy, happy school of fish, but avoid housing them with
smaller species (especially those with long, flowing fins) as black widows sometimes do.
These active, fast-moving species are a great choice for beginners in aquariums. Fish, the size of adult fish is 2 inches, and the average life expectancy is 5 years.
Origin and distribution of black widow tetras
Black widow tetras originate from small, slow tributaries and streams of the Guapur and Paraguay rivers in Brazil, where the jungle canopy provides
shade and food, and they congregate near the completely in captivity, which has resulted in a number of new man-made forms of this popular fish.
Other varieties of black widow tetra include the longfin black-skirt tetra, the golden-skirt tetra, and the colored-skirt tetra.
In addition, similar species of this fish are often confused, including the Sokolovy tetra and the false black tetra. Both of these species are not available.
Frequently used in the aquarium trade, they are not as popular as black widow tetras.
Black widow tetra colors and markings
One of the most famous members of the tetra family is the black widow tetra, which can be easily recognized by its distinctive black dorsal and anal fins, and by the vertical black lines on the body.
Naturally occurring color variations can be from white to pink, but a number of species have been produced.
Different colored subspecies, as well as long-finned cultivars via captive breeding.
Black widow tetras were obtained using dyes. Avoid any individual that might have been artificially colored because they are more susceptible to disease.
Contrary to some reports, the dying process is stressful for the fish, and this stress greatly shortens their lifespan. Buying these fish only serves to support this immoral and harmful practice.
Black widow tetras remain relatively small, up to about two inches in length, and hybrids such as the longfin varieties tend to be slightly larger.
Once the black widow reaches its mature size at about one year old, its naturally dark color will begin to slowly fade to gray.
Silver, and by the time black widow tetras are five years old or more, they are usually pale in color, and these fish also pale when stressed or sick.
Black widow tetra fish and their aquarium mates
Black widow tetras, a schooling fish by nature, are best kept in groups of six or more. They make excellent community fish due to their calm nature, and some owners
have reported that they sometimes nibble on the fins of slow-moving fish, especially those with long, flowing fins such as bettas or fish. Angel Freshwater.
Black widow tetra fish care
Black widow tetras are an easygoing species that adapts to a range of conditions, although preferring dim lighting and neutrally colored gravel substrates, they are accustomed to large plants in
their natural environment and enjoy a well-planted aquarium with some open swimming spaces, although they are not demanding However, they prefer soft water that is acidic and preferably stained
with tannin. Ideally, you should initially match them with the water conditions of the supplier as these species do not
tolerate sudden changes. Cold water can stress black widow tetras, making them susceptible to a number of diseases such as ic.
Black widow tetra fish a nd diet
Black widow tetras readily accept almost any food, including live, fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or flakes. For optimal health of
the breed, provide a variety of foods, which can include high-quality foods, brine shrimp, and any type of fish. Worms, plus botanical supplements and spirulina.
The difference between the sexes of black widow tetra fish
Female black widow tetras are usually larger than males and have a rounder body. In females, the anal fin runs parallel to the vertical black stripe on the abdomen.
Males sometimes show white spots on the caudal fin.
They are smaller in size and have a wider anal fin and dorsal fin.
Thinner and more pointed.
Black widow tetra fish breeding
Black widow tetras can breed in groups with slightly more males than females, and they may also be produced as pairs. Condition all spawning fish, whether pairs or groups, with live foods.
If you don't have live foods available to you, you can Replace them with live, frozen food.
These species like to scatter their sticky eggs among plants, so provide plenty of fine-leaved ones such as Java Moss or hatchery wipes, and keep the water temperature at 25 to 26.5°C in a dimly lit tank.
Larger males generally claim a territory that they will guard during mating periods, and as soon as spawning occurs the parents are driven out because they are