Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here’s a complete guide to the White Widow Tetra, a selectively bred variation of the popular Black...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here’s a complete guide to the White Widow Tetra, a selectively bred variation of the popular Black Skirt Tetra:
Scientific Name: Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Common Names: White Skirt Tetra, White Widow Tetra, Albino Black Skirt Tetra
Family: Characidae
Origin: Originally from the Paraguay and Guaporé River basins in South America (this variety is bred in captivity)
Type: Captive-bred color morph of the Black Skirt Tetra
Size: 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm)
Coloration:
Translucent to milky white body
Faint pinkish or bluish hues depending on lighting
Longer flowing fins (in some long-fin varieties)
Sexual Dimorphism:
Females are typically rounder-bodied, especially when gravid
Males may be slightly slimmer and have longer dorsal fins
Temperament: Peaceful, slightly fin-nippy if under-stimulated
Schooling Fish: Yes — keep in groups of at least 6–8
Tank Level: Mid to upper levels
Behavior:
Active swimmers
Can be nippy if not kept in proper numbers or with slow-finned tankmates
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Tank Size | Minimum 15–20 gallons |
Water Type | Freshwater |
Temperature | 72–80°F (22–27°C) |
pH Level | 6.0–7.5 |
Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
Filtration | Moderate flow preferred |
Aquascape | Plants, rocks, driftwood for hiding with open swimming space |
Lighting | Moderate; enhances the subtle coloration |
Cover | Lid recommended, as they may jump |
Type: Omnivorous
Preferred Foods:
Flakes, micro pellets
Frozen or live foods: daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp
Veggies: spirulina flakes, blanched spinach/zucchini
Feeding Schedule: 1–2 times per day, small portions
Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
Spawning Behavior:
No parental care
Scatter eggs over fine plants or substrate
Adults may eat eggs
Breeding Setup:
Separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and spawning mops/plants
Remove adults after spawning
Fry Care:
Feed infusoria, then baby brine shrimp as they grow
Keep in groups to reduce fin-nipping and stress
Avoid mixing with slow-moving, long-finned fish like bettas or guppies
Add floating plants for shade and natural comfort
Regular water changes help maintain vibrant appearance
White Widow Tetras are generally community-safe when kept in appropriate numbers. Compatible with:
Other tetras (e.g., neon, lemon, ember)
Rasboras
Corydoras
Danios
Gouramis (non-aggressive types)
Dwarf cichlids (e.g., apistogrammas)
Avoid:
Fish with long flowing fins (e.g., bettas, angelfish)
Aggressive or predatory species
Fin-nipping: Common if kept in small groups or overcrowded tanks
Color fading: Often due to stress, poor lighting, or inadequate diet
Diseases: Susceptible to common freshwater illnesses like ich or fin rot
The White Widow Tetra is a beautiful, peaceful variant of the Black Skirt Tetra that brings elegance to community aquariums. With proper care, schooling companions, and a balanced diet, they can live up to 5 years and remain active, hardy, and entertaining to watch.
Would you like help designing a tank layout featuring White Widow Tetras or a printable care sheet?
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