Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) Care Guide

A beautiful tetra from the Orinoco River basin with a translucent red body and a prominent black shoulder spot. Males develop elongated dorsal fins and intensely red coloration.

Overview

Hyphessobrycon sweglesi is a species in the family Characidae. A beautiful tetra from the Orinoco River basin with a translucent red body and a prominent black shoulder spot. Males develop elongated dorsal fins and intensely red coloration. Thrives in soft, acidic water with tannins and does best in densely planted tanks. A peaceful schooler that looks spectacular in large groups against a dark background.

Taxonomy

Family: Characidae
Genus: Hyphessobrycon
Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
Other names: Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, Swegles' Tetra
Origin: South America

Habitat

Native to the upper Orinoco basin of Colombia and Venezuela. Inhabits soft, acidic blackwater streams shaded by forest. A small shoaling characin with translucent red colouration and a dark shoulder spot; closely related to the black phantom tetra.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 22-27 °C
pH: 5-7
GH: 1-10 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 3-4 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Black Phantom Tetra, Corydoras, Cardinal Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Cherry Shrimp
Avoid with: Large aggressive fish, Fin-nippers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate