Black Darter Tetra (Poecilocharax weitzmani)

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The Black Darter Tetra (Poecilocharax weitzmani) is a striking and highly sought-after micro predator native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon Basin. Known for its elegant, dart-like swimming style and rich black coloration with contrasting gold or bronze highlights, this rare tetra is a real standout in any well-maintained aquarium.

While small in size, the Black Darter Tetra has a bold presence and is best appreciated in a species-only or carefully curated community tank with other peaceful fish of similar size. Due to its rarity and specific care needs, this species is most suitable for experienced aquarists looking to create a quiet, dimly lit setup with soft, acidic water—similar to the fish’s natural habitat.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Sleek and Sophisticated: Velvety black coloration with metallic gold accents.
• Rare and Wild-Collected: Not commonly found in the hobby.
• Dynamic Behavior: Graceful, darting motion adds movement and intrigue.
• Best in Biotope Setups: Ideal for soft, blackwater aquascapes.

Natural Habitat:

Native to the upper Rio Negro and Orinoco basins, these fish inhabit slow-moving forest streams rich in tannins, leaf litter, and submerged roots. Water is typically soft, acidic, and tea-colored due to decaying plant matter.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Use floating plants (like Salvinia or Frogbit) to create shaded areas, along with low-light plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, or Cryptocoryne.
• Hardscape: Add driftwood, smooth stones, and leaf litter to mimic a blackwater forest stream.
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Bark, and alder cones enhance water quality and support natural behavior.

Diet and Feeding:

These micro predators feed on small invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium, they may be picky at first but usually accept live and frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms. With time, some may adapt to high-quality micro pellets.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Best kept in a quiet tank with peaceful, similarly sized species. Ideal tank mates include small rasboras, green neon tetras, pygmy corydoras, and dwarf pencilfish. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish.

Shrimp Safe?:

May be safe with adult shrimp, but small shrimp and shrimp fry could be considered prey.

Breeding:

Rarely bred in captivity. Males display vivid coloration and may guard territories. Breeding may occur in soft, acidic water with fine-leaved plants or botanicals for cover, though successful spawns are infrequent.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° – 79° F (22° – 26° C)
• pH: 5.0 – 6.8
• KH: 1 – 6 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Carnivorous. Prefers live and frozen foods, with occasional micro pellets.
• Social Behavior: Semi-social; best kept in small groups (5–6) with ample space.
• Origin: Wild collected
• Average Adult Size: 1.25 inches (3.2 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 0.75 – 1 inch (2 – 2.5 cm)

Add Grace and Mystery to Your Blackwater Tank
The Black Darter Tetra is a jewel for aquarists seeking something truly different—graceful, rare, and beautifully adapted to a naturalistic setup. Whether you’re building a South American biotope or just want a captivating oddball, this species will reward your attention.

Live Arrival Guarantee:
All Aquatic Arts brand animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support from our team of aquatic experts.