Black Phantom Tetra or Phantom Tetra is a small freshwater fish, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon megalopterus.
It belongs to the Characin family and is found in Brazil and Bolivia’s upper Paraguay and Madeira basins.
This fish is popular in the aquarium trade. Black phantom tetras like being in groups of six or more with some shade in their tank.
Male black phantom tetras may have small territories, leading to occasional fights. This fish get along well with similarly-sized tetras and enjoy floating plants.
Its diet consists of worms, small insects, and crustaceans. Black phantom tetras thrive when kept in a group of 5 or more and in a tank that is 60 cm or larger.
Black Phantom Tetra Interesting Facts
- Black phantom tetras are native to Brazil and Bolivia’s upper Paraguay and Madeira basins.
- These fish prefer being in groups of five or more and enjoy shaded tanks with floating plants.
- Their diet includes worms, small insects, and crustaceans.
- They prefer a tank that is at least 60 cm or larger.
Black Phantom Tetra Habitat
Black phantom tetra is a freshwater fish found in South America, specifically in the Upper Paraguay and Guaporé River basins.
It lives close to the bottom of the water (benthopelagic) and prefers slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
The ideal hardness (dH) for this fish is up to 18, and it thrives in warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 71.6°F to 82.4°F (22°C to 28°C).
| Water Temperature: | 71.6°F to 82.4°F (22°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Black Phantom Tetra Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.4 inches (3.6 centimeters)
Black phantom tetra is a small aquarium fish that grows up to 1.4 inches (3.6 centimeters) long.
Black Phantom Tetra Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Characidae |
| Genus: | Hyphessobrycon |
| Scientific Name: | Hyphessobrycon megalopterus |
| Also Known As: | Black Phantom Tetra, Phantom Tetra |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |