The Blackskirt is a small sized fish that almost always establishes and maintains a pecking order within its own species' group. The body is silver with dark bands running vertically. The anal fin is large and black. A long-finned variety is also available. Mature fish may be a faded gray.

Tank Setup

Blackskirts should be kept in the same manner as most other tetra species; in schools of five or more. Tank size should not be of concern for such a small fish, and the aquarium should be decorated with plants and bogwood.

Feeding

Blackskirts move with great speed as they pick off food from the surface. They are omnivorous and thus enjoy both live and vegetable-based foods.

Water Chemistry

These Characins have no special requirements when it comes to water conditions. A neutral pH and common water temperature will suffice. They are hardy fish that thrive under most conditions.

Breeding

Blackskirts are egg scatterers that have been successfully bred in the aquarium. Males have a more narrow and sharper dorsal fin than females. The female lays her eggs amongst plants, and should then be removed from the tank along with the male or else they may eat the eggs. The fry hatch in 24 hours and should be fed newly hatched Brine Shrimp.