Do Red Phantom Tetras need a heater?

Yes, although they prefer cooler tropical temperatures (20-24°C), an aquarium heater is usually necessary to maintain a stable environment and prevent sudden temperature drops, especially during winter months.

How many Red Phantom Tetras should I keep together?

They are a highly social schooling species and should be kept in a group of at least eight. Larger groups of 12 or more are highly recommended, as they will display more natural behaviours, tighter shoaling, and reduced stress.

Will Red Phantom Tetras nip the fins of my other fish?

No. Unlike some of their close relatives, such as the Serpae Tetra, Red Phantoms are generally very peaceful and are highly unlikely to fin-nip tankmates, especially if kept in a sufficiently large school.

Why have my Red Phantom Tetras lost their bright red colour?

A loss of colour is typically a sign of stress. This can be caused by poor water quality, bullying from larger tank mates, an inadequate school size, or being kept in a brightly lit, bare aquarium without hiding places.

What is the difference between a male and female Red Phantom Tetra?

Males are generally slimmer, possess an elongated, sickle-shaped dorsal fin, and exhibit more intense overall red colouration. Females are slightly rounder, especially when carrying eggs, and have shorter fins with a distinctive white tip on the top of their dorsal fin.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Red Phantom Tetra

Hyphessobrycon sweglesi

A vibrant, peaceful schooling fish known for its striking red colouration and distinctive black shoulder spot.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 24 °C
pH range: 5 – 7
Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 3.5 – 4.5 cm
60L standard: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: low-moderate
Preferred setup: Dense planting with shaded areas, driftwood, and dark substrate. Floating plants are beneficial to diffuse light.

About the Red Phantom Tetra

The Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) is a classic favourite in the freshwater aquarium hobby, renowned for its brilliant ruby-red hue and contrasting black markings. Originating from the Orinoco river basin in South America, it adds a stunning splash of colour to heavily planted community setups. They are deeply laterally compressed, giving them a taller, diamond-shaped profile compared to torpedo-shaped species like the Neon Tetra. When kept in a healthy school, the males frequently engage in fascinating, completely harmless sparring displays.

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Where Red Phantom Tetra comes from

Native range

Orinoco River Basin

Countries / regions

Colombia, Venezuela

Habitat

Slow-moving, heavily shaded forest streams and tributaries with dense overhanging vegetation and tannin-stained blackwater.

Most specimens in the aquarium trade are now captive-bred on a commercial scale.

Similar species

Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Rosy Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
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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Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that thrive in the same slightly cooler temperature range as the Red Phantom.
Great
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
They occupy the upper water column and share a preference for heavily planted, soft-water Amazonian setups.
Great
Umbrella Cichlid
Apistogramma borellii
A peaceful dwarf cichlid that tolerates cooler tropical temperatures perfectly without posing a threat to adult tetras.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Fully grown Angelfish are opportunistic predators that may view small, slender tetras as prey, though the deep body of the Red Phantom makes them a harder target than Neons.
Compatible with caution
Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens
Bettas prefer significantly warmer water (25-28°C) and aggressive males may mistake long-finned male Red Phantoms for rivals.
Compatible with caution
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Discus require very warm water (28-30°C), which will heavily stress the Red Phantom Tetra and drastically shorten its lifespan.
Not recommended
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
A large, aggressive predatory cichlid that will easily swallow Red Phantom Tetras whole.
Not recommended

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