freshwater
Black Skirt Tetra and Platy
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi and Xiphophorus maculatus
The image features multiple freshwater aquarium fish, notably a Black Skirt Tetra with a high-backed, compressed body, prominent vertical black stripes, and a flowing dark anal fin, alongside a brightly colored orange-yellow Platy with a streamlined, robust body shape.
- Habitat
- Freshwater tropical aquariums, slow-moving streams, rive…
- Size & weight
- Black Skirt Tetras reach about 5-7 cm (2-2.5 inches) in…
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on small insects, crustacea, worms, an…
Identified More freshwater →
Learn more about Black Skirt Tetra and Platy in the encyclopedia →Identify your own catch.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical characteristics
The image features multiple freshwater aquarium fish, notably a Black Skirt Tetra with a high-backed, compressed body, prominent vertical black stripes, and a flowing dark anal fin, alongside a brightly colored orange-yellow Platy with a streamlined, robust body shape.
Habitat & distribution
Freshwater tropical aquariums, slow-moving streams, rivers, and canals in their native South American and Central American habitats.
Behavior
Active, peaceful to semi-peaceful schooling fish that generally swim in the mid-to-lower levels of the water column.
Diet
Omnivorous; feeds on small insects, crustacea, worms, and plant matter in the wild, and readily accepts flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods in aquariums.
Reproduction
Egg-scatters (Tetras) and livebearers (Platies); Platies give birth to free-swimming fry after internal fertilization.
Ecological role
Acts as a minor predator of small aquatic invertebrates and zooplankton in native habitats, and serves as prey for larger carnivorous fish.
Similar species
Other tetra species such as the Serpae Tetra or Buenos Aires Tetra, distinguished by differing coloration and body markings.
Identification tips
Look for the distinctive high dorsal profile and dark vertical banding of the Black Skirt Tetra and the vibrant solid coloration of the Platy.
Interesting facts
Black Skirt Tetras tend to lose their intense black coloration and fade to a silver-gray as they age.