Black Morpho Tetra (Poecilocharax weitzmani)

A spectacularly colored and uncommon Tetra found throughout the black waters of the Rio Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America, the Black Morpho or Black Darter Tetra typically inhabits warm, shallow water habitat with lots of cover in the form of fallen branches and leaf litter. They are often found alongside more well known tetras such as Cardinals and Rummynose, especially as juvenile fish. Adult males in particular display an impressive sail-like dorsal fin and iridescent black and purple scales. Similar to the more commonly seen Sailfin Tetras, they can be a bit aggressive with one another for a tetra and are best kept in larger groups in aquariums with ample space for them to stake out territories.