Black Phantom Tetra care guide
Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a small characid from the upper Paraguay and Guaporé basins. Males display sooty-black flanks with an enlarged dorsal fin, while females develop pinkish-red ventral and anal fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Habitat
Native to slow-flowing tributaries of the upper Paraguay and Guaporé river systems in Brazil and Bolivia, in soft, slightly acidic water with dense vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-4 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore that consumes small invertebrates and plant fragments. In aquaria it accepts flakes, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful mid-water shoaling species. Males display to each other but rarely cause physical damage when kept in groups of six or more. Compatible with other small characins, Corydoras and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants in soft, acidic water. Remove the parents after spawning to protect the eggs.
Black Phantom Tetra Breeding Guide
Overview
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus is an egg-scattering free spawner that exhibits no parental care. Well-conditioned adults spawn often, and fry may even appear on their own in a mature, well-planted aquarium. For controlled breeding, a small separate spawning container is used to protect the eggs.
Sexing
Males have black fins, of which the pelvic, dorsal and anal are enlarged. Females are deeper-bodied and tend to have reddish pelvic, anal and adipose fins. Males also spar with one another by displaying with their large fins, which is part of normal courtship behaviour.
Conditioning
Adults can be conditioned together on a varied diet. A separate spawning container filled with mature water is recommended for the actual spawning.
Breeding Setup
- Small spawning container filled with mature water, very dimly lit
- A mesh base that lets eggs fall through out of reach of the adults, plastic grass matting, glass marbles, or fine-leaved plants such as Taxiphyllum or spawning mops
- Temperature towards the upper end of the 20-28°C range
- Slightly acidic to neutral pH
- An air-powered sponge filter or airstone for oxygenation
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Introduce a single pair, or a group comprising one or two males and several females, to the spawning container. Eggs are typically scattered and appear the following morning.
Egg & Fry Care
Because there is no parental care, remove the adults after spawning to prevent predation. Feed the fry an initial food of Paramecium or a proprietary dry food of a sufficiently small (5-50 micron) grade, then move on to Artemia nauplii and microworm once the fry are large enough.
Common Challenges
The main challenge is supplying first foods small enough for the tiny fry; a culture of Paramecium or a 5-50 micron dry food should be ready before the eggs hatch.