Black Widow Tetra

[Tenko]

This isn't really a question, just an experience I thought I'd share.

Before I bought 6 of the above fish I did a bit of research and found no indication of any potential problems. Peaceful, shoaling community fish apparently. They were in my tank for a day and a half and that was a day and a half too long.

They killed 6 cardinal tetras and maimed the tails of 2 guppies, both of whom are now being unsucessfully treated for fin rot. Before I had a nice looking tank which I was gradually stocking, now I have a tank full of medicated green water and injured fish.

The lfs I bought them from took them back but all their staff expressed disbelief that they would hurt anything. Another local lfs on the other hand told me today to never put them in a tank with guppies as they'll spend all day fin nipping. If only I'd asked there first.

 

[plecoperson]

Thats a shame, as I have two Black Widow Tetras and they haven't hurt any of my other fish. they dont even show aggression! But then I dont have cardinals or guppies. I do have small fish and they dont hurt them!

 

[JoKeR]

Me nether i have two they dont bother my angels with long fins.

 

[sandyd]

I have 3, and have had one of them for 6 yrs now and have not seen them mess with any other fish I have put them with. They do now live with Tiger Barbs, and all school together as one.

Sandy

 

[Tenko]

Guess I was just unlucky. It only took one of the gang to kill the other fish and the rest would have happily fed on the remains I suppose.

 

[Lateral Line]

I've always found them to be perfectly peaceful as well.