Black Widow Tetra

Characidae sp.

Black Widow Tetra (Characidae sp.) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Tetra & Characin. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 68–79°F and pH 5.5–7.5. The Black Widow Tetra is ideal for aquarists seeking an engaging, peaceful shoaler that thrives in groups.

Black Widow Tetra (Characidae sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size19.8 US gal min
pH range5.5–7.5
Temperature68–79°F
Max size2.4 in (6.0 cm)
Captive lifespan4–8 years
SchoolingYes · 6+ recommended

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Mostly South America

  • South America

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Black Widow Tetra Tank Setup

To encourage natural behavior, provide ample mid-water swimming space complemented by plenty of plants and decorations for shelter. A varied substrate and subdued lighting can enhance their colors while creating a more comfortable environment. Moderate water flow mimics their natural habitat and promotes active swimming without overwhelming them.

What Do Black Widow Tetras Eat?

Black Widow Tetras are omnivorous and will eagerly accept micro foods, but feeding should be tailored to avoid competition, especially in larger groups. Ensure a varied diet to enhance their coloration and vitality, as nutritional deficiencies can lead to health issues over time.

Black Widow Tetra Tank Mates

These tetras are highly compatible with a range of similarly sized and peaceful species, such as small rasboras or other tetras. Avoid aggressive or larger fish that may intimidate them. When kept in groups, maintain a minimum of six to prevent intraspecies aggression, as they establish a hierarchy that thrives on numbers.

Are Black Widow Tetras Good for Beginners?

In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of group dynamics, leading to isolation of individuals when kept in smaller numbers. Poor tank mates or insufficient hiding spots can also result in stress or fin-nipping.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

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