Black Phantom Tetra

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

Also known as: Black phantom, Phantom tetra

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6–7.5
• Hardness (GH): 36–214 ppm (2–12 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

A subtly handsome tetra, smoky charcoal-grey with a bold black shoulder blotch rimmed in pale iridescent blue, the males taller-finned and darker than the females. Its appeal is as much behaviour as colour: kept in a group with several males, the males stage constant, harmless flaring contests, spreading their fins and facing off without ever doing damage, which lends a planted tank a quiet drama. Peaceful toward other species and undemanding once given a mature, planted tank and a school of at least six, it is an easy and characterful choice for a soft-water community, and a natural companion to the red phantom tetra. Its best colour comes over a dark substrate under subdued light.

Tankmates

A gentle, characterful tetra for a peaceful, nano-leaning community with small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and dwarf cichlids such as German blue rams. Pairs naturally with its red phantom cousin. Keep a group of at least six, ideally with several males, so the males stage their harmless flaring displays to one another. Adult shrimp are generally safe. Avoid boisterous fin-nippers like tiger barbs and serpae tetras, and any large or predatory fish.

Compatible with

• Neon Tetra
• Cardinal Tetra
• Red Phantom Tetra
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Bronze Corydoras
• Ember Tetra
• Otocinclus
• Cherry Shrimp
• German Blue Ram

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Tiger Barb
• Serpae Tetra
• Fin Nippers
• Large Cichlids

Common Problems

• faded colour in bright, bare tanks
• reduced male display in groups with too few males
• stress from boisterous or nippy tankmates
• ich

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20