Yellow Phantom Tetra

Hyphessobrycon roseus

📍 South America

The Yellow Phantom Tetra is a small, peaceful schooling fish native to South American blackwater streams, prized for its vibrant yellow coloration and delicate appearance. These tetras are ideal for planted community tanks and nano aquariums, displaying active schooling behavior when kept in groups. They are relatively hardy and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for aquarists new to the hobby.

Size1.2"

Min Tank10g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemiddle

Care Guide

Diet

Yellow Phantom Tetras are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, flake food, and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, only what they can consume in a few minutes. Supplement with vegetable matter occasionally to ensure balanced nutrition.

Behavior

These tetras are active, social fish that display characteristic schooling behavior when kept in groups of six or more. They prefer dimly lit tanks with dense vegetation and driftwood, as they originate from shaded blackwater environments. They are generally peaceful and non-aggressive, though they may occasionally nip at very long-finned fish.

Breeding

Yellow Phantom Tetras are egg scatterers that breed readily in well-established, densely planted tanks with soft, acidic water. Breeding is moderately difficult and requires conditioning the pair with quality foods before introducing them to a separate breeding tank. Remove adults after spawning as they will consume the eggs; fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Similar size and peaceful temperament; excellent schooling companions

excellent

Cardinal Tetra

Compatible water parameters and peaceful behavior; similar ecological niche

excellent

Ember Tetra

Comparable size and peaceful nature; thrives in same conditions

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater that won't compete for food or space

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful and compatible with small tetras in planted tanks

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Bottom dweller that occupies different zone; peaceful and compatible

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, lethargy, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Gradually raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), increase aeration, perform water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain treatment for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and maintain stable parameters

Neon Tetra Disease

Symptoms

Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior

Treatment

No cure available; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, consider euthanasia if severely affected; prevention through quarantine and good husbandry is essential

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

White or grayish film on body, mouth rot, fin deterioration, loss of appetite

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately, increase aeration, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths; maintain temperature at 24-26 C (75-79 F) and perform frequent water changes