Widow Combo - 10 Pieces

Widow Tetras are a group of small, colorful freshwater fish commonly found in aquarium setups. They are particularly popular due to their striking appearance and peaceful nature, making them suitable for community tanks. The most common species referred to as "Widow Tetra" are the Black Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) and the Red Widow Tetra, though other color variants are also available.
Here’s a closer look at the characteristics, care, and tank requirements for Widow Tetras:
Key Characteristics of Widow Tetras:
Species: The most popular species are the Black Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi), which has a distinctive black body, and other color morphs like the Red Widow or Gold Widow Tetra.
Size: Widow Tetras typically grow to 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) in length.
Coloration:
The Black Widow Tetra has a dark, almost black body with a translucent tail that has a red tip. Males often exhibit a more intense black coloration compared to females.
Red Widow Tetras (if you are referring to a specific morph) might have a reddish hue along with the characteristic dark body.
Gold or Albino Widow Tetras also exist, with lighter body tones and red markings.
Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care.
Behavior: Widow Tetras are peaceful, calm, and social fish that enjoy being kept in schools. They are known for their active swimming behavior but are generally non-aggressive.
Activity Level: Moderate. Widow Tetras are active, but they spend most of their time swimming in the mid to upper levels of the tank.
Water Parameters for Widow Tetras:
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F), as they prefer warmer water but can tolerate a broad range.
pH: 6.5–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral water.
Hardness: 4–12 dGH, adaptable to various water hardness levels.
Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school. A larger tank (20 gallons or more) is ideal for a community tank with multiple species.
Tank Setup for Widow Tetras:
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works best. A darker substrate can enhance their color and make them stand out.
Plants: Live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon sword provide hiding spots and help simulate their natural habitat.
Lighting: Moderate lighting is preferred, as bright lighting can stress Widow Tetras.
Water Flow: A gentle to moderate water flow is ideal. They prefer calm water but can adapt to tanks with moderate currents.
Decor: Use driftwood, rocks, and plants to create a natural environment. Avoid sharp objects or rough decor that could harm their delicate fins.
Diet:
Widow Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods:
Staple Foods: High-quality fish flakes or pellets.
Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Vegetable Matter: Algae wafers, spirulina-based flakes, or blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
Feeding Tip: Feed small portions 2–3 times a day. Widow Tetras are small fish, so avoid overfeeding.
Behavior and Tankmates:
Behavior: Widow Tetras are peaceful and thrive in schools. They are social fish that do well in groups of 5–6 or more, as they feel safer in numbers.
Tankmates:
Compatible Species: Peaceful, small community fish such as neon tetras, rasboras, guppies, Corydoras catfish, small barbs, and peaceful livebearers.
Avoid: Aggressive species like large cichlids, fin-nippers such as tiger barbs, or any larger predatory fish that may view the Widow Tetra as food.
Breeding Widow Tetras:
Breeding Widow Tetras in captivity is relatively simple:
Breeding Tank: Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5) and some fine-leaved plants or spawning mops where the female can lay her eggs.
Conditioning: Feed the pair high-quality foods, including live or frozen foods, to condition them for breeding.
Spawning Behavior: The female will scatter her eggs, and the male will fertilize them as they are laid. After spawning, remove the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Egg Care: Eggs will hatch in 24–48 hours. The fry can be fed infusoria or specially designed liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.
Care Tips:
Group Size: Keep at least 5–6 Widow Tetras together to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.
Water Quality: Perform regular water changes (about 20–30% per week) to maintain good water quality.
Tankmates: Choose peaceful fish to create a harmonious community.
Environment: Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots to help the fish feel secure and provide a more natural environment.
Why Choose Widow Tetras?
Striking Appearance: The distinctive coloration of the Black Widow Tetra and other variants makes them a standout addition to any aquarium.
Peaceful Nature: They are calm and non-aggressive, making them great for community tanks.
Hardy and Easy to Care For: Widow Tetras are adaptable and can tolerate a variety of water conditions, making them a good choice for beginner aquarists.
Active and Social: Their schooling behavior adds liveliness and movement to the aquarium.
Conclusion:
Widow Tetras, particularly the Black Widow Tetra, are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their beautiful appearance, peaceful nature, and ease of care. They are hardy fish that adapt well to a variety of tank conditions and do best in groups. Whether you're setting up a species-only tank or a community aquarium, Widow Tetras bring elegance and activity to any setup. Their sociable, non-aggressive demeanor makes them a perfect addition to peaceful community tanks.