No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Black Phantom Tetra
Megalamphodus megalopterus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characiformes›Characidae
📍 Rio São Francisco & upper Río Paraguay, Brazil
Stunning tetra with a smoky black body and large, fan-like dorsal fin on males. Females develop reddish hues. Males display to each other with fins erect — a mesmerising show in a planted tank.
Care Guide
Diet
Black Phantom Tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach supports digestive health.
Behavior
These tetras are peaceful schooling fish that display fascinating fin-flaring behavior, especially among males in planted environments. They are mid-water swimmers that remain active throughout the day and show increased confidence and color intensity when kept in groups of 6 or more. They are generally non-aggressive toward other peaceful species but may nip at very slow-moving fish.
Breeding
Breeding Black Phantom Tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and requires soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) with dense vegetation or spawning mops. Condition breeding pairs with live foods for 1-2 weeks, then transfer to a separate breeding tank; parents will eat eggs and fry if not removed. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro foods.
Tank Mates
Similar size, water requirements, and peaceful temperament; creates striking visual contrast
Comparable water needs and schooling behavior; both prefer slightly acidic conditions
Small, peaceful algae eater that occupies different tank zone; prefers same water parameters
Generally compatible but tetras may occasionally nip at shrimp; provide dense plants for refuge
Hardy plant that provides cover and display backdrop for fin-flaring behavior
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp tank décor, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Neon Tetra Disease
Loss of coloration, curved spine, erratic swimming, gradual wasting
No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, consider euthanasia if severely affected
Bacterial Infection
Torn fins, open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite
Perform large water changes, maintain optimal water parameters, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment if condition worsens
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Black Phantom Tetra to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 1.75 inches
- minTankSize
- 15 gallons
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C