Red Phantom Tetra [Everything You Should Know]

Red Phantom Tetra

Red Phantom Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, is a type of tetra fish found in South America’s Orinoco River basin.

This fish eats worms, insects, and small crustaceans. Red Phantom Tetra looks very similar to the Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus).

Its previous scientific name was Megalamphodus sweglisi. In an aquarium setting, keep this fish in a group of at least five fish for optimum growth.

The tank should be a minimum of 60 cm in size.

Red Phantom Tetra Interesting Facts

  • Red Phantom Tetras, found in South America’s Orinoco River basin, have unique black and red markings and eat worms, insects, and small crustaceans.
  • These fish can lay up to 400 eggs that hatch quickly but are fungus-prone; they resemble Black Phantom Tetra species.
  • In aquariums, keep at least five Red Phantom Tetras together in tanks 60 cm in size and with pH levels between 5.5 to 7.5.
  • They grow up to 1.3 inches (3.2 centimeters) in length.

Red Phantom Tetra Habitat

Red Phantom Tetra comes from the Orinoco River basin in South America. This fish lives in freshwater and swims near the bottom.

It prefers water with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5, hardness of up to 20 dH, and temperatures between 68°F to 73.4°F (20°C to 23°C).

It thrives in tropical environments.

Water Temperature:68°F to 73.4°F (20°C to 23°C)
Water pH:5.5 to 7.5 pH
Water Hardness:Unknown

Red Phantom Tetra Physical Characteristics

Size: 1.3 inches (3.2 centimeters)

Red Phantom Tetra is a tiny fish that grows up to 1.3 inches (3.2 centimeters) long.

It has a black spot near its gills, a black stripe on its top fin with white borders, red fins, and red around the top of its eyes.

Red Phantom Tetra Reproduction

Red Phantom Tetras can lay up to 400 eggs that hatch within a day but are prone to fungus.

Red Phantom Tetra Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Characiformes
Family:Characidae
Genus:Hyphessobrycon
Scientific Name:Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
Also Known As:Red Phantom Tetra
Conservation Status:Unknown

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