Black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

Family: Characidae

Black phantom tetra — a Characidae from South AmericaSouth America, gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Reaches 2.7–4 cm; schools tightly; never keep below 6. 22–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
2.7–4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few
Origin
South America

Species overview

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus is a Characidae from South America. In the wild it prefers blackwater streams and flooded forest; in the aquarium it stays gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Plan on 2.7–4 cm of adult fish at 22–28 °C. Related profiles: Hyphessobrycon amandae, Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, Hyphessobrycon eques.

Native biotope

Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Schools tightly; never keep below 6
Diet
Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest
Recommended tankmates
  • Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass
Avoid keeping with
  • Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; no parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Black phantom tetra easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Black phantom tetra need?

Set the heater to 22–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Black phantom tetra get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2.7–4 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Black phantom tetra eat?

Mid-water omnivore; colour foods keep the red honest. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Black phantom tetra live with other fish?

Gentle, slightly skittish when kept too few. Recommended tankmates: Other small peaceful tetras and rasboras — Form a mixed, calm mid-water mass. Avoid Single-species isolation — A lone tetra is a stressed tetra.

Where does Black phantom tetra come from?

Comes from South America: blackwater streams and flooded forest. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Black phantom tetra jump?

Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.

How does Black phantom tetra breed?

Egg-scatterer over fine plants; no parental care. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.