Black Skirt Tetra vs Guppy: can they live together?

A structured comparison of water overlap, adult size, social needs and behavioral risk.

avoid

Poor pairing in a typical community

A known fin-nipping tendency conflicts with a long-finned or slow tankmate.

Practical response: Choose faster, short-finned tankmates or separate the species.

Black Skirt Tetra

Adult size
6 cm / 2.4 in
Tank reference
75+ L / 19.8+ US gal
Group
6+
Zone
mid
Temperature
20–27°C / 68–80.6°F

Guppy

Adult size
5 cm / 2 in
Tank reference
40+ L / 10.6+ US gal
Group
3+
Zone
top
Temperature
22–28°C / 71.6–82.4°F

Water parameter overlap

Temperature
22–27°C / 71.6–80.6°F shared range
pH
pH 7.0–7.5 shared range

Behavior and space

A robust schooling tetra that can nip slow or long-finned tankmates when under-grouped. A prolific livebearer; plan for fry or single-sex groups and avoid persistent fin-nippers.

A compatibility answer should also consider the actual tank dimensions, number of each fish, filtration, planting and other occupants. Two species can be reasonable together in a long, structured aquarium yet become a poor pairing when compressed into a small footprint.

Common questions

Can Black Skirt Tetra live with Guppy?

The StockingLab verdict is avoid: A known fin-nipping tendency conflicts with a long-finned or slow tankmate.

Do their temperatures overlap?

22–27°C / 71.6–80.6°F shared range.

Should I trust compatibility calculators completely?

No. Individual behavior, sex ratios, breeding condition, aquascape and tank size can change the outcome. Use the result to identify risks, then verify care requirements before purchase.