Black Phantom Tetra
Black Phantom Tetra
Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is one of the most elegant small tetras available — a deep-bodied fish with a distinctive dark grey to charcoal body and large, flowing black fins in males. A group of Black Phantoms moving through a planted aquarium with dark substrate has a ghostly, silhouette-like quality unlike any other small tetra. Megalopterus means 'large-finned' in Greek.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Native to the upper Madeira River basin in Brazil and Bolivia. Females are strikingly different from males: they have reddish fins and a plumper body, making this one of the easier tetras to sex. The combination of male and female in a single group creates a particularly attractive display.
Keep in groups of at least 8. Males perform spectacular displays to each other — spreading large black fins and posturing in lateral threat displays that are intense but almost never result in damage.
Excellent choice for planted aquariums — particularly effective against green plants and dark substrate where the dark body and fin coloration creates maximum contrast. One of the more robust tetras, tolerant of a reasonable range of conditions.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful — males display to each other |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — mixed sexes |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Vibra Bites |
| Origin | Upper Madeira River basin, Brazil and Bolivia |
| Notes | Megalopterus = 'large-finned'. Males: charcoal body, large black fins. Females: reddish fins, plumper — easily sexed. Male display spectacular but harmless. Dark substrate and background for silhouette effect. |
