More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 96 litres / 25.36 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 3.6cm / 1.42inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 1.01dgH / 18ppm - 12.05dgH / 215ppm |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
General Description
The Black Phantom Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon Megalopterus, is a popular aquarium species noted for its peaceful nature, making it an excellent addition to community tanks. It is recommended to house them with similarly sized peaceful fish species to ensure harmonious cohabitation.
Aquarium Setup
For optimal care, it is advised to keep a group of 8-10 mixed-sex Black Phantom Tetras in a tank of at least 96 litres. These tetras exhibit temporary dominance hierarchies, with males competing for female attention, leading to more colorful displays when kept in groups. Sand substrate, driftwood, plants, and dried leaf litter can enhance their habitat, offering both aesthetic appeal and natural foraging opportunities.
Behaviour
The Black Phantom Tetra displays peaceful behavior, thriving in the company of characids, gasteropelecids, and smaller catfish varieties. Maintaining them in larger mixed-sex groups encourages social interactions and vibrant coloration due to the hierarchical structure within the group.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, Black Phantom Tetras are omnivorous, consuming small invertebrates, algae, and fallen fruits. In captivity, they can subsist on dried foods but thrive on a varied diet that includes live and frozen foods like bloodworms, mosquito larvae, Daphnia, and Moina to ensure proper nutrition and health.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
These tetras are egg-scattering free spawners without parental care. To maximize breeding success, setting up a separate breeding tank with dim lighting and appropriate substrate for egg collection is recommended. Adult males exhibit enlarged black fins while females are deeper-bodied with reddish pelvic, anal, and adipose fins.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to the upper rio Madeira in Bolivia and western Brazil, including tributaries like rios Beni and Mamoré, the Black Phantom Tetra prefers still waters with vegetation patches or submerged roots. In habitats like the Pantanal, known for its clear waters and abundant aquatic flora, these tetras form aggregations around submerged vegetation.
Kindly refer to the table for specific water parameter recommendations.