Black phantom tetra — a Characidae from 南美洲及菲律宾, 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
南美洲及菲律宾
Species overview
From the waters of 南美洲及菲律宾 comes Hyphessobrycon megalopterus, a member of the family Characidae. A mid-water shoaler whose colour and courage arrive together, with the group. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 2.7–4 cm. Schools tightly; never keep below 6. Dark substrate, gentle light, big school — the three levers for this fish. Maintain 22–28 °C at pH 6–7.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
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