TETRA – BLACK PHANTOM
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
$6.99 – $8.99
The Black Phantom Tetra is a stunningly unique fish found in the western Amazonian watershed of Bolivia and Brazil, inhabiting sluggish and clear waters where vegetation proliferates. Many Black phantom tetra available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced, however, given their popularity. The Black phantom tetra exhibits clear sexual dimorphism between males and females. Males have very large dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins that are black in color in which it gets the name “phantom”, while females have a rounder body shape with shorter fins that are reddish in color. Less mature specimens, or ones that are not as comfortable in their environment, can appear more dull. Black phantom tetras are natural shoaling fish, showing their best coloration with at least 8 individuals of mixed sexes, but more are encouraged. An adult Black phantom tetra can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Black Phantom Tetra is a stunningly unique fish found in the western Amazonian watershed of Bolivia and Brazil, inhabitating sluggish and clear waters where vegetation proliferates. Many Black phantom tetra available within the aquarium trade are commerically produced, however, given their popularity. The Black phantom tetra exhibits clear sexual dimorphism between males and females. Males have very large dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins that are black in color in which it gets the name “phantom”, while females have a rounder body shape with shorter fins that are reddish in color. Less mature specimens, or ones that are not as comfortable in their environment, can appear more dull. Black phantom tetras are natural shoaling fish, showing their best coloration with at least 8 individuals of mixed sexes, but more are encouraged. An adult Black phantom tetra can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.
Diet Requirements: Black phantom tetra are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 5 to 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Black phantom tetra. Size up accordingly to accomodate a larger shoal. While Black phantom tetra are relatively hardy, this species would do best in a biologically established aquarium. An adaptable species to a wide range of water parameters, an ideal environment for a Black phantom tetra is a dense live planted set-up with a sandy substrate. Common plant species found in the wild with Black phantom tetra include Bacopa, Ludwigia, Sagittaria, and Salvinia. Black phantom tetra form loose hierarchies, and it is not uncommon to see a pair of males flared up at each other trying to get the attention of females. Black phantom tetra are diverse in their compatability, but should be mixed with other peaceful and similar-sized tetra or fishes. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 1”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.