How can I tell male and female Black Phantom Tetras apart?

They are very easy to sex. Males have a much larger, sail-like dorsal fin and their fins are predominantly black or dark grey. Females have shorter dorsal fins and their pelvic, anal, and adipose fins are distinctly reddish.

Why are my Black Phantom Tetras fighting?

If it is two males, they are likely engaging in mock sparring. They line up, flare their fins, and display dark colours to establish a pecking order or impress females. This is perfectly normal and harmless behaviour.

How many Black Phantom Tetras should I keep together?

They are a schooling fish and should be kept in a group of at least six. However, a larger group of 8 to 12 or more will make them feel more secure and result in a far better display of their natural behaviour.

Are Black Phantom Tetras fin nippers?

Generally, no. They are considered peaceful community fish. However, like many tetras, if they are kept in too small a group, they may become stressed and occasionally nip at long-finned tankmates. Keeping them in a proper shoal usually prevents this.

Do they need a heater?

Yes, they are tropical fish native to South America and require a heated aquarium with a stable temperature between 22°C and 28°C.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Black Phantom Tetra

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

A striking, deep-bodied schooling fish famed for the dramatic mock battles and impressive fin displays performed by the males.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5 – 7.5
Hardness: 1 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 3.5 – 4.5 cm
60cm (2ft) aquarium: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: gentle to moderate
Preferred setup: Heavily planted aquarium with a dark substrate, driftwood tangles, and areas of open swimming space.

About the Black Phantom Tetra

The Black Phantom Tetra is a classic and highly sought-after species in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Boasting a deep, laterally compressed body, this fish exhibits a fascinating translucency with a distinctive smoky-grey hue. It is an incredibly expressive species, with the males routinely displaying their exaggerated dorsal fins to rivals and potential mates. The prominent dark comma-shaped mark behind their gills further adds to their ghostly appeal.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Black Phantom Tetra comes from

Native range

Guaporé River Basin, Upper Paraguay River Basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Bolivia

Habitat

Slow-moving tributaries, floodplains, ponds, and swamps with dense submerged vegetation and tree roots.

Native to central South America, primarily within the drainages of the Guaporé and Paraguay rivers.

Similar species

Red Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Bleeding Heart Tetra
Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that occupy a completely different zone of the aquarium and share similar water parameters.
Great
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Provides an excellent colour contrast and happily shares the middle water column without competing aggressively.
Great
Apistogramma
Apistogramma spp.
Dwarf cichlids thrive in the same soft-water, planted environment and will largely ignore the tetras.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
While Black Phantoms are deeper-bodied than Neon Tetras, fully grown Angelfish may still view smaller tetras as potential prey.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Fast and occasionally nippy; they may be tempted by the long, flowing fins of the male Black Phantoms.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Oscars are large predatory cichlids that will quickly eat small tetras.
Not recommended

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