TIGER BARBS | BLACK SKIRT TETRA | ALBINO TETRA
The Albino Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri) is a very attractive shoaling fish for the community aquarium. ... It is safe to keep with other peaceful, small fish. Though it has a relatively robust, larger body than many smaller tetras, it has a very small mouth.
The white skirt tetra is commonly available in fish stores and is a good fish for a beginner fishkeeper. It is very robust and is easy to breed. This species is also a peaceful addition to a freshwater aquarium community. White skirt tetras can live up to seven years, and they are a visually striking fish. Be aware, however, that some breeders will artificially color their white skirt tetras, creating a range of pretty-looking fish that are unfortunately very likely to have many health issues and to lose their color after a very short time in your home tank.
Characteristics
Family Characidae
Origin Rio Paraguay, Rio Guapore, Bolivia
Social Peaceful, good community fish
Tank Level Mid dweller
Minimum Tank Size 10 gallons
Diet Omnivore, eats most foods
Breeding Egglayer
Care Easy
pH 5.8 to 8.5
Hardness to 30 dGH
Temperature 70 to 90 F (20 to 26 C)
Origin and Distribution
There is no such thing as a wild white skirt tetra; the white skirt is simply an albino or no-pigment variation of the black tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) and is only bred in captivity. The black tetra inhabits the Paraguay and Guapore Basins in South America. In these habitats, they prefer still and slow-moving waterways, and they tend to congregate in shady areas under dense foliage. They feed on insects, worms, and crustaceans which they find toward the surface of the water. White skirt tetras are not an endangered species as they are bred entirely in captivity.
Colors and Markings
This species is a color variation of the popular black widow tetra (black tetra). They achieve their mature size of two inches at approximately one year of age. A number of long-finned and colored varieties have been produced.
Most notable of the color variations are the man-made pastel blue and pink fish, which are achieved with the use of dyes. The dyed individuals may be sold under names such as strawberry tetra, blueberry tetra, or rainbow tetra. Any fish that may have been artificially colored should be avoided. Fish dyeing is a harmful, inhumane practice that should not be supported.
About Artificially Dyed Fish
Albino or nearly-transparent tetras are the strains of fish that have been artificially dyed. While these artificially-colored fish are very attractive, there are serious health issues related to the process of dying fish.
As you search for a fish to place in your tank, be wary of those with unique colorings and "pretty" names; do some research to be sure the fish is displaying natural colors. Otherwise, you may be in for a shock when your "blueberry" fish shows its true (white) colors and subsequently comes down with a disease.
The Black Skirt Tetra is a very peaceful, schooling fish that comes from the regions of South America. Receiving its name from its black translucent coloring, the hardy Black Skirt Tetra is great for any community aquarium. These Tetras are silver in color with black stripes and long flowing black fins.
Hiding spaces such as rocks, plants, and driftwood are recommended to give this fish a sense of security. Taller plants should be used to coincide with its mid-level swimming habits along with plenty of rock formed cave structures.
Black Skirt Tetras will breed occasionally in an aquarium setting and a hospital or "breeding tank" will be necessary. Slightly acidic water is best for optimal breeding habits. After the eggs have been fertilized, removing the parents will be necessary to reduce the number of lost fry. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp or crushed flake food.
The Black Skirt Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.
The Tiger Barb is silver/gold with black stripes and orange accented fins. They are a very lively, playful fish that prefers to be in schools.
They prefer a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. The Tiger Barb is a very active fish that may pester or even nip the fins of larger, slower moving fish.
It is best, when trying to breed the Tiger Barb, to house a number of Barbs in the same aquarium until they pair off. After a pair has developed, the female will lay the eggs and the male will follow behind to fertilize. The fry will be free-swimming after about 5 days. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food.
The Tiger Barb needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetables as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
