A peaceful, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins. They are named for the distinct 'phantom' black patch behind their gills. They thrive in heavily planted tanks with subdued lighting (often achieved via floating plants or blackwater conditions). Males engage in spectacular but harmless 'mock battles' where they flare their fins at each other.
Black Phantom Tetra At a Glance
Black Phantom Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Black Phantom Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Black Phantom Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Black Phantom Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Black Phantom Tetra Water Parameters
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Black Phantom Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Black Phantom Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are distinguished by their dramatic, elongated black dorsal and anal fins. When sparring or courting, their overall body color darkens to a deep, silvery-black.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Phantom, Long Finned
Female
Females have noticeably shorter dorsal and anal fins compared to males. They are easily identified by a distinct reddish/brown hue on their pelvic, anal, and adipose fins.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Phantom, Red Fin Phantom
Black Phantom Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Black Phantom Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon megalopterus, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Black Phantom Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Black Phantom Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Black Phantom Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Black Phantom Tetra, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Black Phantom Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Black Phantom Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Black Phantom Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Black Phantom Tetra.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Black Phantom Tetra
How big does Black Phantom Tetra get?
Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Black Phantom Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Black Phantom Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Black Phantom Tetra need?
Black Phantom Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Black Phantom Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Black Phantom Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Black Phantom Tetra should be kept together?
Black Phantom Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Black Phantom Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Black Phantom Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Black Phantom Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Black Phantom Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Golden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesBolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Black Phantom Tetra
These plants pair well with Black Phantom Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Black Phantom Tetra
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
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Black Skirt Tetra
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A very hardy, deep-bodied schooling tetra native to South America. They are incredibly popular for beginners but have a reputation as fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. A proper school disperses their internal bickering and largely prevents them from harassing other tank mates.
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Cardinal Tetra
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Lemon Tetra
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