Black Hifin Tetra — a Characidae from South America, peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers. Reaches 2.7–4 cm; groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. 23–27 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–27 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
2.7–4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers
Origin
South America
Species overview
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, a member of the family Characidae, is native to South America. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 2.7–4 cm. Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 23–27 °C at pH 5.5–7.5. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
Native biotope
Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better
Diet
Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully
Avoid keeping with
Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs