Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

The Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a peaceful, strikingly beautiful freshwater fish that is popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Known for their dark coloration and distinctive markings, these fish are native to the rivers of South America.

1. Tank Size

• Minimum tank size: A tank of at least 10-15 gallons (38-57 liters) is ideal for a small school of Black Phantom Tetras.

• They are schooling fish, so it’s important to keep them in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to reduce stress and allow them to display natural behaviors.

2. Water Conditions

• Temperature: Black Phantom Tetras prefer warm water and thrive in temperatures between 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C).

• pH: They do best in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

• Hardness: They prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a hardness range of 2-15 dGH.

• Water Quality: Regular water changes (about 25% per week) help maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of toxins.

3. Diet

• Black Phantom Tetras are omnivores, so a varied diet is essential for their health:

  • High-quality flakes or pellets designed for small fish.

  • Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, or microworms.

  • They also appreciate some vegetable matter, such as blanched spinach or algae-based foods.

• Feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day to prevent overfeeding.

4. Tank Setup

• Substrate: A fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal, as it’s easy to clean and doesn’t harm their delicate fins.

• Aquascaping: Black Phantom Tetras enjoy well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. Use live plants, driftwood, and rocks to create a natural environment.

• Lighting: These fish do well in moderate lighting, but they appreciate some shade provided by plants or hardscape, as they naturally inhabit shaded areas in their native environment.

• Water Movement: A gentle filter with moderate water flow is suitable, as these tetras are not fans of strong currents.

5. Tankmates

• Black Phantom Tetras are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them excellent tankmates for other small, peaceful species.

• They can be kept with species like:

  • Other small tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras).

  • Rasboras, small catfish (like Corydoras), and shrimp.

• Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish, as they can become stressed or outcompeted for food.

• Keeping them in a school will help reduce stress and bring out their natural behavior.

6. Breeding

• Breeding Black Phantom Tetras in captivity can be done but requires specific conditions.

• Breeding tank: Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and a fine-leaved plant (like Java Moss) where the female can lay her eggs.

• Spawning: Males will chase females during spawning. After fertilization, the female will scatter her eggs among the plants.

• Once the eggs are laid, remove the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs.

• The eggs will hatch in about 24-48 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat powdered food.

7. Health

• Black Phantom Tetras are generally hardy but can suffer from common freshwater diseases like Ich, fin rot, or velvet disease, especially if water quality is poor.

• Monitor water parameters regularly to avoid sudden fluctuations, which can stress the fish and lead to health problems.

• Ensure they are not being stressed by other tankmates, as they can become more susceptible to illness.

Interesting Fact:

The Black Phantom Tetra gets its name from its distinctive coloration. The male has a dark black body with a silvery/white lower belly, while the female is generally larger and less intensely dark, but both have beautiful red-orange fins that add to their striking appearance. These fish also exhibit interesting social behavior, with males often engaging in fintail displays during courtship or when vying for dominance in a group, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their beauty!