White Skirt Tetra

The White Skirt Tetra species is a color variation of the popular Black Widow/ Black Tetra.  They achieve their mature size of two inches at approximately one year of age.  A schooling fish by nature, they are best kept in groups of 6 or more.  Due to their peaceful nature, they make excellent community fish. These are undemanding species that will adapt to a range of conditions.  Subdued lighting, as well as neutral-colored gravel substrate, is preferred.  They are accustomed to large plants in their natural habitat and enjoy a heavily planted aquarium.  Water parameters may range from acidic to alkaline, and hard to soft.

Virtually any kind of live, fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or flake foods is suitable. For optimal health, provide a variety of foods that include high-quality flake foods, brine shrimp, any type of worms, as well as vegetable supplements.

Female white widows are generally larger than the males and have a rounder body. Males have a broader anal fin, and a narrower more pointed dorsal fin.   Larger males will generally claim a territory that they will guard during spawning periods. Although they are egg scatters they prefer to spawn among fine-leaved plants, which should be provided in the breeding tank. Once spawning has occurred the parents should be removed, as they will consume the eggs. Eggs will hatch after approximately one day. The fry may be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp, egg yolk, or finely ground flake foods.