All fish / Characidae

Black Phantom Tetra

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

Also known as black phantom, phantom tetra, black phantom tetra, megalopterus tetra, ブラックファントム・テトラ, 黑幻影灯, 黑旗

A deep-bodied, smoky grey tetra with a large black shoulder patch and black fins. Males have a tall black dorsal fin, while females show red in the adipose, pelvic and anal fins. It is hardy and peaceful, and males put on striking sparring displays without causing real harm.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and micro pellets, with live or frozen daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Paraná and Guaporé (Madeira) basins in Brazil and Bolivia

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops in soft, slightly acidic water. Adults eat the eggs, so they should be removed after spawning, and the tiny fry need infusoria at first; breeding is fairly straightforward.

Good to know

Males flare at each other but rarely injure one another. Can be confused with the red phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi), which is red and prefers cooler, softer water.