Red Phantom Tetra
Red Phantom Tetra
Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) is the vivid red counterpart to the Black Phantom — a deep-bodied tetra with warm red to orange-red body coloration, a bold black shoulder spot, and large flowing red fins in males. The two Phantom Tetras are not closely related despite their shared name theme, but both share the same dramatic male fin development.
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 Orinoco drainage in Colombia and Venezuela — soft, slightly acidic blackwater streams. The vivid red coloration is most intense in well-conditioned fish in soft, slightly acidic water with tannin additions.
Keep in groups of at least 8 with both males and females. Males display with spread fins — the red fin spread is striking and frequent. Can be mixed with Black Phantom Tetras for a dramatically contrasting species pair.
An excellent planted aquarium tetra — the vivid red body against green plants is one of the classic combinations of the planted tank hobby.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — males display to each other |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — mixed sexes |
| Ideal Temp | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 1–10 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–5 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 Orinoco drainage, Colombia and Venezuela |
| Notes | Red counterpart to Black Phantom — not closely related despite name. Upper Orinoco. Red most intense in soft acidic water with tannins. Mix with Black Phantom for dramatic contrast. |
