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Yellow Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon roseus
Also known as Roseus Tetra
Animalia›Chordata›Characiformes›Characidae
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.
Where it's from
Native to the Corantijn, Maroni, Oyapock and Surinam river basins
Suriname and French Guiana
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 5.5-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
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
See all 6Similar size and peaceful temperament; excellent schooling companions
Compatible water parameters and peaceful behavior; similar ecological niche
Comparable size and peaceful nature; thrives in same conditions
Peaceful algae eater that won't compete for food or space
Peaceful and compatible with small tetras in planted tanks
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Neon Tetra Disease, Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, lethargy, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
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
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
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
Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, lethargy, erratic swimming behavior
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)
White or grayish film on body, mouth rot, fin deterioration, loss of appetite
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
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 73–81°F23–27°C
- pH
- 5.5-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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