Black Darter Tetra

Poecilocharax weitzmani

Black Darter Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerAdvanced

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Need help with Black Darter Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)
pH: 3–6.5
GH: 0–5 dGH
KH: up to 6 dKH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–28 °C, pH 3–6.5, GH 0–5 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Black Darter Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Provide small live invertebrates; many specimens reluctant to take dried foods; feed where shy bottom dwellers can access it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black-winged Hatchetfish Carnegiella marthae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.9 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same temperament Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 75–86°F (24–30°C) Blue Neon Goby Stiphodon atropurpureus Similar care level Same temperament Similar size Intermediate – Advanced 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.3" (≤ 13.4 cm) 68–81°F (20–27°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Same temperament Same swimming zone Similar size Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Black Darter Tetra get?

Black Darter Tetra reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Black Darter Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Black Darter Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Black Darter Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Black Darter Tetra?

Keep it between 21 to 28 °C.