Description
The Black Darter Tetra is also known as the Black Morpho Tetra. Suited to intermediate aquarists. Unlike most other tetra's, Males are known to be territorial and semi-aggressive. They are not typically shoaling species, but to manage bullying behaviour it is best to keep multiple females to each male. Not easily bred in captivity, this species is less common.
Native to Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, it is a widely spread species.
Features of Black Darter Tetra's:
- Long slender body with a rounded head
- Males have large flaring fins
- Males are larger and brighter than females
- Pale brown to Red / orange body with black stripe from head to tail
- Grows up to 4cm
The Best Aquarium Size for Black Darter Tetra's:
The minimum tank size for a pair of Black Darter Tetra's is 25L. If keeping a group opt for a larger aquarium.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse our Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Tank Mate Compatibility:
The Black Darter Tetra are best kept as a single species. If keeping multiple Black Darter Tetra's, keep multiple females per male. In appropriate conditions, the following tank mates may work with caution.
Coburg Aquarium, specialize in a large range of species of live fish.
Feeding :
Black Darter Tetra's are omnivores and should have a varied diet for optimal health. They will rarely accept flakes and pellets, and predominantly feed on live foods & frozen foods such as blackworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
Black Darter Tetra Fish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
Naturally found in slow moving streams, mimic the Black Darter Tetra's natural environment by using a good aquarium filter that won’t create strong water movements. They are a hardy species but enjoy stable and clean waters.
Browse aquarium filters here.
Aquatic Plants for Black Darter Tetra's
The Black Darter Tetra is naturally found black waters heavily vegetated with plenty of driftwood and rocks with caves. It provides shade & spaces to hide to ensure happy fish. The following live aquatic plants will do better in low light aquariums.
Interested in live plants for your aquariums? Browse live plants here.
Tank Decorations for Black Darter Tetra's
Black Darter Tetra's enjoy black water aquariums and soft acidic water. The colour of fish are enhanced when conditions are ideal and fish are less stressed. Add driftwood and natural decorations that release tannins to mimic their natural environment. They will be happiest with caves created from wood and rock to hide in and diffuses territorial aggression.
Check out our Aquarium Ornaments.
Substrate for Black Darter Tetra's
Dark coloured substrates enhance the colour of the fish and help lower light levels, reducing stress. They prefer sandy substrates.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
