Mourning cloak tetra: Everything you need to know about the mourning cloak tetra at a glance
The Black Tetra, a jewel among aquarium fish, combines elegance and mystery. This fascinating fish, native to the aquatic habitats of South America, captivates aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about the Black Tetra - from its origins to care and breeding.
Origin of the Black Tetra
The Black Tetra, scientifically known as Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, is a freshwater species found in the calm, shaded sections of flowing waters in the southern part of South America. Its natural habitats extend along the river systems of the Paraguay River and the Guaporé River, flowing through the countries of Bolivia and Brazil, as well as in the middle area of the Paraná River in Argentina. These areas, known for their diverse flora and fauna, provide the ideal habitat for the Black Tetra.
The first scientific description of the Black Tetra was made in 1895 by the renowned British ichthyologist George Albert Boulenger. The species was named in honor of Carl Ternetz, a naturalist who first collected the fish in the late 19th century. Ternetz, whose research made a significant contribution to the exploration of the ichthyological diversity of South America, left a lasting legacy with the naming of the Black Tetra.
Already in the 1930s, the Black Tetra found its way into the aquarium hobby and became a popular inhabitant in aquariums around the globe. In 1935, it was first introduced to Europe and has since secured a permanent place in the range of pet stores. The popularity of the Black Tetra is due not only to its appealing appearance but also to the relative ease with which it can be bred. Over time, breeders have even developed special breeding forms, including variants with elongated fins and a particularly attractive form - the Golden Black Tetra.
Characteristics and Sexual Differences
The Black Tetra is a fascinating sight in the world of aquariums, captivating not only with its unique body shape but also with its striking coloration. This freshwater fish is characterized by an extraordinary silhouette, giving it its characteristic, almost mystical appearance.
Unique Body Shape and Coloration
The first glimpse of the Black Tetra reveals a spectacular body shape reminiscent of a black cloak. Particularly striking is the large, elongated dorsal fin, which gives the fish an imposing appearance and visually enlarges the body. The rear part of the body and the dorsal fin are kept in a deep black, which contrasts strongly with the silvery-shining front part of the body, only crossed by two black stripes.
With a body length of about five centimeters, the Black Tetra is one of the smaller fish species. Despite its relatively small size, it appears very present due to its high-cut body shape, taking up noticeably more space in the aquarium than one might initially assume.
Sexual Differences
The distinction between male and female Black Tetras is based on several characteristics. Males tend to be slightly smaller and slimmer than their female counterparts. Females, on the other hand, have a fuller body, making them appear larger overall. While it is often reported that the dorsal fin is wider in males, such differences are not always clearly identifiable in practice.
Another characteristic feature is the shiny scales, especially in the posterior body section. The anterior half of the body is marked by two narrow, black shoulder spots, extending up to two-thirds ventrally. A lighter eye streak, running parallel to the shoulder stripes, crosses the eye.
Color Changes with Age
Interestingly, the dark black coloration of the Black Tetra fades with age and changes to a dark gray. This natural color change contributes to the fascinating diversity in the appearance of this species.
Social Behavior and Tankmates
Black Tetras are schooling fish that should be kept in groups to promote their natural social behavior. They are peaceful and sociable inhabitants that can be well housed with other peaceful fish species. Their tankmates should be carefully chosen to avoid stress and aggression in the aquarium.
Social Behavior and Group Dynamics
As typical representatives of tetras, Black Tetras exhibit pronounced social behavior. They prefer to live in groups, forming a loose shoal that densifies in situations of danger. This group structure provides them with security and stimulates their natural behavior, leading to a more active and healthier lifestyle. It is not uncommon for individual fish to explore the tank alone, but the group remains their safe haven.
Activity and Tankmates
Contrary to the common belief that Black Tetras are very calm fish, these creatures actually bring considerable dynamism to the aquarium. Their lively nature can cause more timid and quieter residents, such as Amano shrimp or certain catfish species, to be pushed into the background. Therefore, caution is advised when choosing tankmates, especially when it comes to quieter feeders who may be inferior in the competition for food.
Caution in Tankmates
Introducing Black Tetras to quiet feeders or fish with a reserved nature can be problematic. For example, butterfly cichlids, which require special feeding, may compete directly with the more agile Black Tetras. It is important to feed such species deliberately and ensure that they receive enough food. Combining them with armored catfish could also be critical, as they may be at a disadvantage in food competition.
Suitable Tank Size and Tankmates
For successful cohabitation, a sufficiently large aquarium is crucial. This ensures that all residents have enough space and stress due to overpopulation is avoided. Black Tetras can be housed with other tetras, catfish, or South American dwarf cichlids, provided the tank is large enough and the other species are not too quiet. They can even be kept with fish twice their size, provided they are also peaceful and calm.
Keeping, Care, Feeding, and Required Water Parameters
The Black Tetra is a robust and undemanding species that is excellent for a community aquarium. With proper care and optimal water parameters, this attractive fish can display its full array of colors and become a lively highlight in any aquarium.
Water Parameters and Aquarium Conditions
Black Tetras prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH of 6 to 7.5. The general hardness (GH) should be between 15° and a maximum of 25°, allowing them to adapt flexibly to various aquarium conditions. Temperatures can vary, ideally between 18°C and 28°C, with adjustments made to accommodate the needs of tankmates. For Black Tetras, "cool" water at 24°C and "warm" water at 26°C are optimal. Moderate filtration through peat can help achieve the desired slightly acidic pH while tinting the water slightly brown, mimicking the natural conditions of their habitat.
Feeding
Black Tetras are omnivores that accept a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods. However, they are not fans of purely plant-based diets.
Aquaris Fish Food is the ideal choice for responsible aquarium owners due to its high quality and excellent compatibility. The carefully selected ingredients and tailored recipes ensure that all fish receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth and a strong immune system. Aquaris food products are designed to remain stable in the water for a long time, preventing water parameter disruption caused by decomposing food residues.
Aquarium Setup
The aquarium setup can vary, but Black Tetras particularly appreciate long-stemmed plants with large leaves, such as Hygrophila polysperma or tiger lotus plants. These provide hiding places and shade for the fish. Soft lighting in the tank, possibly through a floating plant cover, along with a dark, moderately coarse substrate, creates an ideal environment. The aquarium should not be densely planted, allowing enough space for the fish to swim.
To maintain your aquarium and preserve the biological balance, the Aquaris range offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality natural products. With Aquaris, you can easily remove algae and support the growth of your aquatic plants.
Aquaris stands for proven quality in aquarium care. All products are carefully composed and made from high-quality raw materials. You can rely on not encountering unexpected problems in maintaining your aquarium and ensuring the health of your Black Tetras is not compromised.
Breeding Black Tetras
Breeding Black Tetras (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) presents an exciting and achievable challenge for aquarium enthusiasts. With proper preparation and attention to some essential points, breeding can be successfully accomplished under aquarium conditions.
Preparation of the Breeding Tank
The size of the breeding tank should be adjusted according to the number of fish. A tank with a volume of about 10 liters is sufficient for a pair, while larger groups may require up to 30 liters. A balanced gender ratio of 1:1, 2:1, or even 3:3 has proven advantageous for pairing suitable mates.
Environment and Conditions
A common mistake is transferring the fish from a well-planted community tank to a completely bare spawning tank. Instead, it is advisable to initially keep the fish in a species-appropriate tank without plants and then transfer them to a darkened tank with Java moss or water milfoil (Myriophyllum) for breeding. The water should be soft (below 10°dGH), have a pH below 7.5, and a temperature between 24°C and 26°C.
Courtship and Spawning Process
Courtship usually begins in the early morning hours, with the male swimming around the female with widely spread fins in tight circles. Up to 500 eggs can be laid per spawning, which adhere to plants or the walls of the tank. After spawning, the parent fish should be removed to prevent them from consuming a significant portion of the eggs.
Care of Fry
The larvae hatch after just one day and begin to swim freely in the breeding tank about 4 to 5 days after spawning. Initially, they should be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii), later transitioning to powdered food, cyclops, and daphnia. A good, varied diet and regular partial water changes are important to promote rapid and healthy growth.
Conclusion
The Black Tetra is a fascinating and robust fish species that has become a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to its adaptability and lively behavior. With their characteristic black-silver coloration and preference for slightly acidic, soft water, they are not only visually appealing but also reflect the diversity of tropical freshwater habitats.
Their undemanding nature and flexibility regarding water parameters and temperatures make them ideal residents for community aquariums, as long as their needs for proper nutrition and suitable habitat are met.
The opportunity to keep and breed Black Tetras in a well-equipped aquarium not only allows aquarists to bring a piece of the fascinating underwater world into their homes but also provides valuable insights into the complex ecology and natural behavior of these extraordinary fish.