Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a popular species of freshwater fish known for its striking appearance and peaceful nature. This tetra originates from the slow-moving waters of South America, particularly from areas such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Its distinctive black markings and elegant swimming behavior make it an appealing choice for aquarium enthusiasts, especially in community tanks.

Key Features of the Black Phantom Tetra:

1. Appearance:

   • The Black Phantom Tetra has a slender body with a silvery or translucent base that contrasts beautifully with its distinctive black markings.
   • Its black coloration forms a prominent black patch that runs along the body, starting from the dorsal fin and extending down towards the tail.
   • The fish’s fins can be dark gray or black, and the tail fin may feature a slightly lighter edge.
   • The males typically have sharper fins, while females tend to have a rounder, fuller body, especially when carrying eggs.
   • Red eyes are also a notable feature of the Black Phantom Tetra, giving it an added touch of vibrancy.
   • Adult Black Phantom Tetras generally grow to around 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) in length.

2. Habitat:

   • Native to the Amazon River Basin in South America, Black Phantom Tetras are typically found in slow-moving streams, rivers, and pools with plenty of vegetation and submerged wood.
   • They prefer soft, slightly acidic water, which is typically found in their native habitats.
   • In the aquarium, the Black Phantom Tetra does best in well-planted tanks with gentle water movement and soft or moderately hard water.
   • Their ideal temperature range is between 72°F and 82°F (22°C - 28°C), and they thrive in water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

3. Diet:

   • The Black Phantom Tetra is an omnivorous species and will accept a variety of foods in the aquarium.
     • High-quality flake or pellet food is suitable for the majority of their diet.
     • They also enjoy live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
     • Additionally, they will graze on plant matter, so you can offer them spirulina, blanched vegetables (like spinach or zucchini), and algae wafers.
   • A balanced diet will keep them healthy and enhance their vibrant coloration.

4. Behavior:

   • Black Phantom Tetras are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums.
   • They are shoaling fish, so it’s important to keep them in groups of at least 6-8 individuals. In smaller groups, they may feel stressed and display shyer behavior.
   • These tetras are generally active swimmers and tend to stay in the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, often darting around in schools, adding movement and liveliness to the tank.
   • They are known for their mild and social behavior, making them ideal tank mates for other peaceful species like neon tetras, gouramis, and corydoras catfish.

5. Tank Care:

   • The Black Phantom Tetra is relatively hardy, but like all fish, they thrive in a stable and clean environment.
   • It’s important to maintain gentle water filtration to ensure there are no strong currents in the tank. Regular water changes are essential for maintaining water quality and preventing stress.
   • Providing plenty of plants and hiding spots like driftwood will make them feel more secure and encourage natural behavior.
   • These tetras are sensitive to poor water quality, so regular tank maintenance is crucial. They also appreciate slightly dim lighting since they are native to the shadowed areas of rivers and streams.

6. Breeding:

   • Breeding Black Phantom Tetras in a home aquarium is possible, but it may require some effort to replicate their natural breeding conditions.
   • Egg scatterers, they typically spawn in the early morning hours. The female will scatter her eggs in the plants or on the aquarium substrate, and the male fertilizes them externally.
   • After spawning, the adult fish should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs.
   • The eggs usually hatch in about 24-36 hours, and the fry will begin to swim freely after another few days. The fry can be fed infusoria or microworms until they are large enough to accept regular foods.
   • It’s often recommended to have a separate breeding tank for this process, which should include fine-leaf plants or spawning mops where the eggs can be laid.

Conclusion:

The Black Phantom Tetra is a stunning and peaceful species, perfect for aquarists looking for an active yet non-aggressive fish to add to a community tank. With its unique black markings, red eyes, and peaceful demeanor, it makes a wonderful addition to planted aquariums, especially when kept in schools. Their shoaling nature, combined with their easy-going temperament and relatively low-maintenance care requirements, make them ideal for hobbyists of all experience levels. If you're looking for a fish that adds both color and activity to your tank, the Black Phantom Tetra is an excellent choice.