Black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus Eigenmann, 1915

Black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

The Black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 4 cm (1.6 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Native range: South America, Upper Paraguay and Guapor? River basins.

Black phantom tetra care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Excellent
Adult size
4 cm (1.6 in)
Minimum tank
75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–18 dGH (36–321 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Feeds on worms, small insects and crustaceans. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
3.6
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 18 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Upper Paraguay and Guapor? River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More tetras & characins

See all tetras & characins

Can it live with...?

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

Last updated