Can Black Skirt Tetra Live With Red-Tail Catfish?
Black Skirt Tetra and Red-Tail Catfish are NOT compatible tank mates.
Detailed Analysis
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Good temperature overlap at 72–79°F.
pH
✓ Compatible
Good pH overlap at 6.0–7.2.
Size
✗ Not Compatible
Extreme size difference. Red-Tail Catfish (48") may eat or bully Black Skirt Tetra (2.5").
Temperament
⚠ Use Caution
Black Skirt Tetra (semi-aggressive) may have issues with Red-Tail Catfish (semi-aggressive). Monitor closely if attempting.
Swim Level
✓ Compatible
Fish occupy different water levels (Black Skirt Tetra: middle, Red-Tail Catfish: bottom), reducing conflict.
Trait Conflict
✗ Not Compatible
Red-Tail Catfish is a predator and may eat Black Skirt Tetra.
Important Notes
- Black Skirt Tetra is a schooling fish and needs at least 5 of its kind.
Tank Requirements
Minimum tank size for this combination: 300 gallons
| Parameter | Black Skirt Tetra | Red-Tail Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 72–79°F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 5.5–7.2 |
| Max Size | 2.5" | 48" |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Swim Level | Middle | Bottom |
| Min Tank | 20 gal | 300 gal |
Check More Combinations
Use our compatibility checker to add more fish and plan your complete tank.