Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Minimum Tank
15 Gallons
Adult Size
1.75 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Black Phantom Tetra
The black phantom tetra is a sophisticated-looking fish from the upper Paraguay and Guapore river basins in Brazil and Bolivia. Males are smoky gray-black with dramatically tall dorsal and anal fins that they spread wide during territorial displays, creating an impressive phantom-like silhouette. Females contrast beautifully with reddish-brown bodies and red-tinted fins. Males frequently engage in ritualized sparring displays, circling each other with fins fully extended in a dance-like confrontation that rarely results in any actual contact. This species is a refined alternative to more common tetras, offering subtle beauty and interesting social behavior in the community aquarium.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 15-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep black phantom tetras in groups of at least six, with a balanced mix of males and females to observe their fascinating display behaviors. Males will frequently spar with each other in harmless fin-spreading contests. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 72-82°F with some tannins from driftwood or dried leaves. A dark substrate and background make their subtle coloring and dramatic fin displays stand out. They are peaceful with other species and make excellent companions for other tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes and frozen foods.
Quick Facts
57L
Min Tank (15gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.75")
5yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Black Phantom Tetra
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Tank Mates for Black Phantom Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
moderate · 10+ gal
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Black Phantom Tetra need?
A Black Phantom Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 15 gallons (57 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Black Phantom Tetra need?
Black Phantom Tetra thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Black Phantom Tetra easy to care for?
Black Phantom Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Black Phantom Tetra get and what do they eat?
Black Phantom Tetra reach about 1.75 inches and are omnivores. Keep black phantom tetras in groups of at least six, with a balanced mix of males and females to observe their fascinating display behaviors. Males will frequently spar with each other in harmless fin-spreading contests. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water at 72-82°F with some tannins from driftwood or dried leaves. A dark substrate and background make their subtle coloring and dramatic fin displays stand out. They are peaceful with other species and make excellent companions for other tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes and frozen foods.