Black tetra - Definition and Overview

The black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. It is native to the Paraguay and Guaporé River basins of southern Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia.

Growing to about 6 cm (2.5 in) total length, the black tetra has a roughly tetragonal body shape and is greyish in colour, fading from light at the nose to near black at the tail. Two prominent black vertical bars appear just posterior of the gills.

The black tetra feeds on small crustaceans, insects, and worms.

G. ternetzi is commonly kept as an aquarium fish by hobbyists.

The black tetra is also known as the blackamoor, blackskirt, black widow, butterfly tetra, or petticoat tetra. The black phantom tetra, Hyphessobrycon megalopterus, is a distinct species. The black neon tetra, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, is sometimes incorrectly called the black tetra.

References

• "Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Gymnocorymbus&speciesname=ternetzi)". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. October 2004 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2004.
• "Gymnocorymbus ternetzi" (TSN 162891) (http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=162891). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. N.p.: Integrated Taxonomic Information System, 2004. Accessed on 5 December 2004.