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.
