Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Synonyms Megalamphodus megalopterus · Black phantom
Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 72–82°F (22–28°C) and pH 6–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 60 L (16 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 2–15 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Black Phantom Tetra needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 72–82°F (22–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp.
- It can go wrong with Betta — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 52% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 60L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
72–82°F (22–28°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–15.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Black Phantom Tetra | Serpae Tetra | Lemon Tetra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4.5 cm | 4.5 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 60 L | 60 L | 72 L |
| Group | 6+ | 8+ | 8+ |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026
- Mature tank, What it eatsaquariumcoop.com
- Mature tankaquaticsunlimited.com
- en.aqua-fish.net