White Skirt Tetra
The White Skirt Tetra is a farm raised color morph of the wild type Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, otherwise known as the Black Skirt Tetra. One of the hardier Tetras, this peaceful fish prefers to school and will do fine in well-lit aquariums. While it requires some swimming space, it will also appreciate cover along the perimeter of the aquarium. Obtaining an adult size of 2 –2 ½”, the White Skirt lives up to its name with a generally white body and full anal fin (skirt) extending back to the tail fin. There may be a hint of vertical black stripes behind the gill plates. Not an albino form, the White Skirt will have normal color eyes. The farms have also developed a “hi-fin” version of this fish.
Tetras are one of the standard fish of the aquarium. Schooling fish, they will do best when there are more than 3 fish in the school. Generally peaceful, they can match up with just about any other type of fish that is not large enough to eat them. While the Tetra might prefer softer, acidic water conditions, most can adapt to a wide range of water parameters. Most are now raised in Florida and SE Asia under conditions very different than their natural habitat in South America. As an omnivore, Tetras will eat most aquarium prepared foods, darting to the surface for floating food and picking sinking food out of the water as it descends. They will be more at home if there is a fair amount of cover to dart into if they feel threatened. While it is possible, most Tetras will not spawn in the home aquarium. If they do, several males will chase the female as she scatters the eggs among the plants. Relatively hardy, care should be taken when treating Tetras with parasitic medications.
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