Black Widow Tetra

Common & Latin Name: Black Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi)

Care level: Easy
Max Size: 6cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temp: 18-26°C
PH: 6-7.5
Purchase size: 1-2cm

Black Widow Tetra are a peaceful shaling species from South America. They should be maintained in a shoal of 6 or more individuals in a planted tank with plenty of bog wood and plants for shady areas and hiding spaces. Because they are a larger species of tetra, they are ideal for communities with large fish like severums and acaras, but they can be equally suited to a general community set up. Sometimes they can be prone to bickering among themselves, but this can easily be remedied by increasing the shoal size. Damage is seldom done when the fish do bicker amongst themselves. They're not known for pestering other fish in their aquarium, but long finned species should probably be avoided as they may prove to be too tempting.

There is a white variant called the White Widow Tetra which is often used for creating glowfish. Beware of any other colour variants as they are typically dyed by either dipping or injection. Neither of these methods remains bright and vivid and the practice is illegal in the UK, but importing them is not. Glowfish are not legal in the UK.

Food can be offered in the form of pellets and fresh or frozen insect larvae.

Please note that the image is for illustration purposes and the fish you will receive may not be identical. These fish are still juveniles and have yet to colour up. A healthy environment and good quality food will help bring them into full colour. If you have any questions about keeping these fish, please don't hesitate to ask a member of staff.

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