White Skirt Tetras: A Comprehensive Care Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

Published September 13, 2023 | By HInotarize

White skirt tetras

White skirt tetras (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), also known as white skirt tetras or white tetras, are a popular freshwater aquarium fish species. Here are some important things to know about them:

1. Appearance: White skirt tetras are known for their attractive appearance. They have a silver-white body with a horizontal black stripe that runs from their eye to the base of their caudal fin. This black stripe resembles a belt, giving them their name “white skirt.”

2. Size: They are relatively small fish, typically growing to a size of 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 7.5 cm) in length, making them suitable for smaller aquariums.

3. Tank Setup: White skirt tetras are relatively hardy and adaptable, but it’s essential to provide them with a well-maintained aquarium. A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of these tetras. They appreciate a planted tank with plenty of hiding places and open swimming spaces.

Here are some types of tanks to house your White Skirt Tetras:

Tank Type	Description
Community Aquarium	A well-planted tank with peaceful tankmates like other tetras, gouramis, and small cichlids.
Species-Only Tank	An aquarium exclusively for white skirt tetras to reduce aggression and stress.
Nano Aquarium	Small tanks (10-20 gallons) are suitable for a small group of white skirt tetras in limited space.
Planted Tank	An aquarium with live plants provides hiding spots and mimics their natural habitat.
Breeding Tank	A separate tank with breeding mops or plants for white skirt tetra reproduction.

4. Water Parameters: Maintain stable water parameters in the tank. White skirt tetras prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The temperature should be kept between 72 to 78°F (22 to 26°C).

White skirt tetras

5. Tank Mates: White skirt tetras are generally peaceful but can be nippy towards their own kind, especially if kept in small numbers. It’s advisable to keep them in groups of at least six to reduce aggression and provide them with a sense of security. They can coexist with other peaceful community fish species that share similar water requirements.

6. Diet: They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. Provide them with a balanced diet that includes high-quality flake or pellet food, as well as occasional treats like live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.

Here is a table of the variety of foods to feed your White Skirt Tetras:

Type of Food	Description
Dry Foods	Commercial tropical fish flakes are a staple diet.
Pellets	Specially formulated tetra or tropical fish pellets.
Frozen Foods	Freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms are a favorite.
Brine Shrimp	Frozen or freeze-dried brine shrimp provide variety.
Daphnia	Small crustaceans like daphnia are a nutritious treat.
Cyclops	Tiny crustaceans, often available frozen.
Live Foods	Small insects like fruit flies or small crickets.
Worms	Live or frozen blackworms and tubifex worms.
Vegetables	Slightly blanched spinach can be a vegetable option.
Peas	Cooked and de-shelled peas are suitable occasionally.
Cucumber	Thin cucumber slices can be offered as a treat.
Zucchini	Sliced zucchini can be provided for variety.
Homemade Treats	Custom gel foods with a mix of ingredients.
Hard-Boiled Egg Yolk	Crushed and mixed into a paste, it’s a protein source.

7. Behavior: These tetras are active swimmers and are best kept in a well-aerated tank with gentle water flow. They enjoy exploring the tank and may occasionally dart around, especially during feeding.

8. Breeding: White skirt tetras are relatively easy to breed in a separate breeding tank. Provide them with plants or spawning mops for egg-laying, and once the eggs are laid, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs and fry. The fry can be fed with infusoria or specially formulated fry food.

9. Health: Monitor their health regularly and be prepared to address common aquarium fish ailments such as ich, which can affect tetras. Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.

10. Compatibility: Be cautious when choosing tankmates. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that might harass the white skirt tetras. Suitable tankmates include other tetra species, small peaceful cichlids, gouramis, and bottom-dwelling fish like Corydoras catfish.

Remember that proper care and attention to water quality are crucial for the well-being of your white skirt tetras. Regular water changes and a balanced diet will help keep them healthy and vibrant in your aquarium.