Red Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
A peaceful, deep-bodied tetra known for its vibrant red coloration and distinct black shoulder spot. Native to the Orinoco River basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than most tropical tetras and thrive in well-planted, dimly lit aquariums. Males will frequently engage in harmless, display-oriented sparring by flaring their fins.
Red Phantom Tetra At a Glance
Red Phantom Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Red Phantom Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Phantom Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Phantom Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Red Phantom Tetra Water Parameters
Red Phantom Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Red Phantom Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form available in the hobby. Usually sold unsexed. Must be kept in a group of at least 6 to feel secure and display their best colors and natural behavior.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Red Phantom Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Red Phantom Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 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 Red 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 20°C and 24°C, with a pH range of 4.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Red Phantom Tetra is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Red Phantom Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Red Phantom Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red 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.
Red Phantom Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Red 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.
Who Red Phantom Tetra Is Actually For
Red Phantom Tetra is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Red Phantom Tetra for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Red Phantom Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Phantom Tetra.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Phantom Tetra
How big does Red Phantom Tetra get?
Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Red Phantom Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Red Phantom Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Phantom Tetra need?
Red Phantom Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–24°C, a pH between 4.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Red Phantom Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Red Phantom Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Red Phantom Tetra should be kept together?
Red 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 Red Phantom Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Red Phantom Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Red Phantom Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Trapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesGolden 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 MatesZebra Apple Snail
Asolene spixi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Red Phantom Tetra
These plants pair well with Red 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 Red Phantom Tetra
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
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.
Rosy Finned Tetra
Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra known for its reddish-pink hue and striking dorsal fin, which features a prominent black patch and white tip. They are peaceful, active schooling fish that thrive in heavily planted tanks with slightly acidic, soft water. Males frequently engage in harmless mock-battles by flaring their fins to establish hierarchy.
Bentos Tetra
Hyphessobrycon bentosi
A striking, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin. Characterized by a reddish-brown tint and a prominent black spot on the dorsal fin, often tipped with white. They are active but peaceful schooling fish. Males will frequently engage in harmless, visually impressive sparring displays to establish hierarchy and impress females.
Garnet Tetra
Hemigrammus pulcher
A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving tributaries of the upper Amazon basin. They are distinguished by a striking black wedge-shaped patch near their tail, framed by a shimmering garnet or coppery hue. They are peaceful schooling fish that look their best in mature, dimly lit blackwater aquariums.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
Colombian Tetra
Hyphessobrycon columbianus
A larger, deep-bodied tetra known for its striking metallic blue body and bright red fins. They are very active and can be somewhat boisterous. They are known to occasionally nip fins if kept in groups that are too small or in tanks that lack adequate swimming space.