Yellow phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus)

Family: Characidae

Yellow phantom tetra — a Characidae freshwater fish. Reaches 1.4–2.1 cm; keep at 23–27 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
23–27 °C
pH
6–7.8
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
1.4–2.1 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory

Species overview

A Characidae species: Hyphessobrycon roseus lives bottom-dwelling over blackwater streams and flooded forest. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Adults reach 1.4–2.1 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hyphessobrycon species we profile, alongside 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
Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more
Diet
Omnivore with carnivorous tilt
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer among fine plants

Frequently asked questions

Is Yellow phantom tetra easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Strong shoalers; keep in groups of 8 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Yellow phantom tetra need?

Set the heater to 23–27 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7.8, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

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

Full size is 1.4–2.1 cm. Minimum tank: 25 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Yellow phantom tetra eat?

Omnivore with carnivorous tilt. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Yellow phantom tetra live with other fish?

Mostly peaceful; larger species predatory. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Yellow phantom tetra come from?

It lives in blackwater streams and flooded forest. Still to gentle current; Moderate.

Does Yellow phantom tetra jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Yellow phantom tetra breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer among fine plants. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.