All fish / Characidae

Yellow Phantom Tetra

Hyphessobrycon roseus

Also known as golden phantom tetra, rosy tetra, yellow phantom, roseus tetra, golden tetra, ハイフェソブリコン・ロセウス, 黄幽灵灯

This is a tiny, deep-bodied tetra with a translucent yellow to orange body, a dark shoulder patch and red-tinged fins. Its small size and warm colouring make it a good choice for planted nano tanks and soft-water community setups with other small, calm fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

2.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small flakes and micro pellets, frozen or live daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp and bloodworm

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana (coastal river basins of the Guiana Shield)

Breeding

It scatters eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops in soft, acidic water, and the parents will eat the eggs. Breeding is possible in a separate darkened tank, but the fry are very small and need infusoria or similar first foods.

Good to know

It is often confused with the similar Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis or with young phantom tetras, so check the label. Its small size means it should not be kept with large or boisterous tankmates.