Purple widow Tetra | Single

The Purple Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi var.) is a selectively bred variant of the Black Widow Tetra known for its striking purple or violet coloration. This beautiful fish is a great addition to freshwater aquariums due to its eye-catching color, peaceful temperament, and ease of care, making it ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Key Characteristics of Purple Widow Tetra:
Size: 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm).
Color: A rich purple to violet hue on the body, often with a slight iridescent shimmer, particularly under aquarium lighting. The coloration may vary slightly depending on the individual and environmental factors.
Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care.
Behavior: Peaceful, social, and active. Prefers to be kept in schools.
Activity Level: Active swimmers that usually stay in the mid to upper levels of the tank.
Water Parameters for Purple Widow Tetra:
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F).
pH: 6.0–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
Hardness: 4–15 dGH.
Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons for a small group; larger tanks are ideal for larger schools.
Tank Setup:
Substrate: Dark substrate to enhance their vibrant purple coloration.
Plants: Live plants such as Java moss, Vallisneria, or Amazon swords provide hiding spots and mimic their natural environment.
Lighting: Moderate lighting to highlight their purple hues, though excessive light should be avoided to prevent stress.
Water Flow: Gentle water movement; they prefer calm, slow-moving waters.
Decor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, and caves for hiding and security.
Diet:
Purple Widow Tetras are omnivorous and will thrive on a varied diet:
Staple Foods: High-quality flakes or micro-pellets designed for tropical fish.
Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach, spirulina, or other vegetable-based foods for a balanced diet.
Behavior and Tankmates:
Behavior: Peaceful and schooling; they do best when kept in groups of 6 or more. Their social nature helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.
Tankmates:
Compatible Species: Other peaceful, small community fish such as neon tetras, rasboras, guppies, and Corydoras.
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species like larger barbs or cichlids.
Breeding Purple Widow Tetra:
Breeding Purple Widow Tetras follows the same basic process as other Widow Tetras:
Breeding Tank: A separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for the eggs.
Conditioning: Feed high-protein foods such as live or frozen brine shrimp to the breeding pair.
Spawning: The female will scatter eggs among the plants or substrate, and the male fertilizes them.
Egg Care: Remove the adult fish after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Fry Care: Fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially and later transitioned to crushed flakes as they grow.
Care Tips:
Group Dynamics: Keep them in schools to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. A group of 6 or more is ideal.
Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes to ensure the health of the fish.
Lighting: Provide moderate lighting to highlight their purple hues without causing stress.
Space: Provide plenty of swimming space and hiding spots for the fish to feel secure.
Why Choose Purple Widow Tetra?
Vibrant Color: Their stunning purple color makes them a standout addition to any aquarium.
Peaceful Nature: They are compatible with many other small, peaceful species, making them great for community tanks.
Hardy: Easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner aquarists.
Social Fish: These tetras thrive in groups, adding liveliness and movement to the tank.
Conclusion:
The Purple Widow Tetra is a beautiful, low-maintenance fish that can add a striking pop of color to any freshwater aquarium. Their peaceful demeanor, vibrant purple hue, and schooling behavior make them a favorite for community tanks. With proper care, they will thrive and become a highlight of your aquarium, providing years of enjoyment.