Black phantom tetra - Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

Common name: Black phantom tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness: 2 - 10°N (35.71 - 178.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

The Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a peaceful schooling characin native to the upper Río Paraguay and upper Madeira/Guaporé drainages (Bolivia/Brazil border region). Adults reach 4–5 cm and show a dark shoulder blotch with translucent, smoky fins. Males perform elegant fin-flaring displays toward each other; a proper shoal ( 8–10 ) keeps behaviours natural and reduces shyness.

Food & Feeding

Omnivorous micro-predator. Offer quality micro-flakes or micro-granules as the staple and rotate frozen/live foods (daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae; bloodworms in moderation). Small portions 1–2× daily help maintain colour without polluting the water.

Sexing

Males have a taller, more pointed, darker dorsal fin and a more pronounced black “phantom” patch; females are slightly fuller-bodied and show a subtle reddish tint in the fins when in good condition.

Breeding

Egg-scattering tetra with no parental care—achievable but easier in a dedicated setup. Use very soft, slightly acidic water (target pH ~5.5–6.5), dim light, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, and a dark base (marbles/mesh) to protect eggs. Spawning often occurs at daybreak; remove adults immediately. Eggs typically hatch in ~24–36 h, and fry become free-swimming after 3–4 days. Start with infusoria/micro foods, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Usually 3–5 years with clean, stable water and a varied diet.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Tank size: at least 75–90 cm (30–36″) length for a shoal; open lanes for schooling plus planted/shaded areas.
Water: prefers soft, slightly acidic conditions (pH 6.0–7.2, hardness ~2–10 °dH); temperature 23–27 °C (73–81 °F). Stability is more important than the absolute number.
Filtration & flow: gentle flow with high oxygenation; leaf litter/wood add beneficial tannins.
Aquascape & light: darker substrate, dense plants, driftwood, subdued lighting to intensify colours and reduce stress.
Maintenance: weekly water changes; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful community fish. Ideal with similarly sized tetras/rasboras, Corydoras, small loricariids, and gentle dwarf cichlids. Avoid boisterous/fin-nipping species and large predators. Keep in a proper shoal to minimise any occasional nipping.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Active in the middle water column. Schools more tightly when startled; otherwise cruises midwater among plants and open spaces.

Short Description

Black Phantom Tetras are gentle South American schoolers that thrive in soft, slightly acidic, planted aquaria with subdued light. Provide a large shoal and a varied micro-diet for the best colour and behaviour.