Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

Description

Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

Elegant, peaceful and full of personality, the Black Phantom Tetra is one of South America's most distinctive schooling fish. Known for its smoky grey body, striking black shoulder patch and graceful flowing fins, this beautiful tetra adds sophistication and natural behaviour to planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
  • Common name: Black Phantom Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 4.5–5 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
  • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You enjoy peaceful schooling fish with elegant natural colours.
  • You're building a planted or South American community aquarium.
  • You appreciate fascinating social behaviour and male displays.
  • You want an easy-to-care-for tetra with unique character.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep large aggressive or predatory fish.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
  • You prefer brightly coloured schooling fish over subtle beauty.

Why choose Black Phantom Tetras?

The Black Phantom Tetra is admired for its sophisticated appearance and fascinating behaviour. Its translucent smoky-grey body is highlighted by a bold black shoulder patch, while mature males develop elongated dorsal and anal fins that give them an elegant, almost sail-like appearance.

Native to the rivers and floodplains of Bolivia and Brazil, this species thrives in planted aquariums with driftwood, gentle water movement and subdued lighting. Unlike many schooling fish, Black Phantom Tetras regularly perform harmless display rituals, with males flaring their fins and gently sparring to establish social hierarchy without causing injury.

Their peaceful nature and unique social interactions make them one of the most rewarding tetra species to observe in a mature community aquarium.

Benefits

  • Distinctive black shoulder patch
  • Elegant smoky-grey colouration
  • Flowing fins on mature males
  • Interesting natural display behaviour
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Excellent for planted aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 23–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space
  • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish to encourage natural behaviour and reduce stress.
  • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain rich body colouration and healthy finnage.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras pygmaeus
  • Red Phantom Tetras
  • Glowlight Tetras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Otocinclus
NTA Insight:
Black Phantom Tetras are among the most enjoyable schooling fish to observe. Mature males regularly perform impressive fin displays toward one another, extending their dorsal and anal fins without becoming aggressive. Against dark substrates and lush green plants, their smoky bodies and bold black shoulder markings create a refined, natural display that becomes even more captivating in schools of 12 or more.

FAQ

How many Black Phantom Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools display more natural shoaling behaviour, stronger social interactions and greater confidence.

Are Black Phantom Tetras aggressive?

No. While males may display to one another by flaring their fins, this behaviour is largely ritualistic and rarely results in injury. They remain peaceful community fish.

Can they live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and stable water conditions that resemble their natural South American habitat.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their hardy nature, peaceful temperament and straightforward care requirements make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

How long do Black Phantom Tetras live?

With proper care, stable water quality and a varied diet, Black Phantom Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years in the home aquarium.

Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

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SKU: AST12ML

 

$6.00


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    Description

    Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

    Elegant, peaceful and full of personality, the Black Phantom Tetra is one of South America's most distinctive schooling fish. Known for its smoky grey body, striking black shoulder patch and graceful flowing fins, this beautiful tetra adds sophistication and natural behaviour to planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
    • Common name: Black Phantom Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 4.5–5 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
    • Minimum school: 8+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You enjoy peaceful schooling fish with elegant natural colours.
    • You're building a planted or South American community aquarium.
    • You appreciate fascinating social behaviour and male displays.
    • You want an easy-to-care-for tetra with unique character.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep large aggressive or predatory fish.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
    • You prefer brightly coloured schooling fish over subtle beauty.

    Why choose Black Phantom Tetras?

    The Black Phantom Tetra is admired for its sophisticated appearance and fascinating behaviour. Its translucent smoky-grey body is highlighted by a bold black shoulder patch, while mature males develop elongated dorsal and anal fins that give them an elegant, almost sail-like appearance.

    Native to the rivers and floodplains of Bolivia and Brazil, this species thrives in planted aquariums with driftwood, gentle water movement and subdued lighting. Unlike many schooling fish, Black Phantom Tetras regularly perform harmless display rituals, with males flaring their fins and gently sparring to establish social hierarchy without causing injury.

    Their peaceful nature and unique social interactions make them one of the most rewarding tetra species to observe in a mature community aquarium.

    Benefits

    • Distinctive black shoulder patch
    • Elegant smoky-grey colouration
    • Flowing fins on mature males
    • Interesting natural display behaviour
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Excellent for planted aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 23–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space
    • Always keep in schools of at least 8 fish to encourage natural behaviour and reduce stress.
    • A varied diet and regular water changes help maintain rich body colouration and healthy finnage.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras pygmaeus
    • Red Phantom Tetras
    • Glowlight Tetras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Otocinclus
    NTA Insight:
    Black Phantom Tetras are among the most enjoyable schooling fish to observe. Mature males regularly perform impressive fin displays toward one another, extending their dorsal and anal fins without becoming aggressive. Against dark substrates and lush green plants, their smoky bodies and bold black shoulder markings create a refined, natural display that becomes even more captivating in schools of 12 or more.

    FAQ

    How many Black Phantom Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 8 fish together. Larger schools display more natural shoaling behaviour, stronger social interactions and greater confidence.

    Are Black Phantom Tetras aggressive?

    No. While males may display to one another by flaring their fins, this behaviour is largely ritualistic and rarely results in injury. They remain peaceful community fish.

    Can they live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. They thrive in planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and stable water conditions that resemble their natural South American habitat.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their hardy nature, peaceful temperament and straightforward care requirements make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

    How long do Black Phantom Tetras live?

    With proper care, stable water quality and a varied diet, Black Phantom Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years in the home aquarium.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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