Black Phantom Tetra Hyphessobrycon Megalopterus 2cm

Overview

The Black Phantom Tetra is a deep-bodied, smoky grey tetra with a bold black shoulder patch ringed in silver; males spread tall, jet-black fins in constant mock battles with rivals. Females are smaller with reddish fins and a rounder belly. Native to the upper Madeira and Paraguay basins of Bolivia and Brazil, it suits beginners and planted community tanks.

• Adult Size: Around 3.5–4.5 cm (1.5–1.75 in); males larger finned
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Upper Madeira and Paraguai basins, Bolivia and Brazil
• Habitat: Still and sluggish backwaters, ponds and small lakes with vegetation

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Flake, micro pellets, bloodworm, daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp
• Feeding Habits: Feed small amounts once or twice daily; mix dried and frozen, add colour foods

Tank Mates

• Best with: Other tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, small Loricariids
• Avoid: Large or predatory fish, boisterous barbs, fin nippers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Very peaceful towards other species
• Territoriality: Males display and spar but rarely harm each other

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Prefers soft, slightly acidic water and a mature, dimly lit tank

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
• pH: 5.0–7.0
• Hardness: 1–12 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 70 litres; 80 cm long for a mixed-sex shoal of eight or more

Final Notes

Keep eight or more with a mix of sexes, as males only show their finnage when sparring with rivals. Dim lighting, dark substrate and plants deepen the colours. Sexing is easy: males have enlarged black dorsal, pelvic and anal fins, females are rounder with red fins. It is an egg scatterer that spawns readily in mature tanks, and a long-finned strain exists. A settled shoal is full of drama.