Black Darter Tetra
Black Darter Tetra
Black Darter Tetra (Poecilocharax weitzmani) is one of the most unusual and misclassified fish in the trade — a fish called a tetra that behaves like a dwarf cichlid. The pale yellow-brown body carries a bold black lateral band with neon-blue iridescence, and males develop extended dorsal and anal fins as they mature. Despite being sold as a tetra, it belongs to the family Crenuchidae rather than true Characidae, and its territorial, harem-forming behavior is entirely unlike a schooling tetra.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia are the most reliably accepted foods — a micropredator that needs small frozen foods. Hikari Micro Pellets soaked briefly are accepted by settled individuals. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Avoid competition at feeding time.
Native to blackwater rivers of the upper Solimões, upper Negro, and upper Orinoco basins — extremely soft, acidic, tannin-stained water. Often arrives as unidentified by-catch in Cardinal Tetra shipments. Rarely exported intentionally due to its delicate nature.
Unlike true tetras, male Black Darters are territorial and form harems with 2–3 females. Keep one male with multiple females — two males in a small tank will fight persistently. Not recommended for beginners; this species is more similar to a dwarf cichlid in behavior than a schooling tetra.
A specialist fish for experienced blackwater aquarists. The combination of killifish-like body shape, dwarf cichlid-like territorial behavior, and blackwater tetra care requirements makes this one of the most interesting and rarely understood fish in the hobby.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Males territorial — not a true schooling fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male + 2–3 females |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 5.2–6.5 |
| Ideal GH | 0–6 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–3 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (soaked); Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Upper Solimões, Rio Negro, and upper Orinoco drainages |
| Notes | Family Crenuchidae — not true Characidae. Behaves like dwarf cichlid, not a tetra. Males territorial — form harems. Often arrives as Cardinal Tetra bycatch. Blackwater specialist. |
