Black Phantom Tetra - Megalamphodus megalopterus

Black Phantom Tetra (Megalamphodus megalopterus)

The Black Phantom Tetra is a peaceful and elegant South American shoaling fish, loved for its smoky silver body, dark shoulder patch and impressive fin displays. Mature males develop darker, more dramatic finnage, while females often show reddish tones through the fins, giving a group a subtle but attractive contrast. This is a hardy and rewarding tetra for mature planted community aquariums, especially where darker décor, plant cover and calm tank mates allow its natural behaviour to shine.

Common Name:
Black Phantom Tetra. Also commonly referred to as the Black Phantom, Phantom Tetra or Black Phantom Characin.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Megalamphodus megalopterus
Also commonly referenced in older and many aquarium sources as Hyphessobrycon megalopterus.

Maximum Size:
Around 4–5 cm in captivity, with scientific records listing up to around 3.6 cm standard length.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to South America, especially the upper Paraguay and Guaporé River basins, with trade references also linking the species to Bolivia and Brazil. In the wild, it is associated with calm, vegetated freshwater habitats where plant cover, shaded margins and stable water conditions provide shelter.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water

Temperament:
Peaceful and social. Males may display to one another with raised fins and short harmless stand-offs, but this is normal behaviour and rarely causes damage when the fish are kept in a proper group.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. In nature, it feeds on small insects, worms and crustaceans. In the aquarium it should be offered quality fine flake, micro pellets, crushed granules, frozen daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, bloodworm and occasional small live foods.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 60 litres for a small group, with a 60 cm or longer aquarium preferred for more natural shoaling and display behaviour.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active mid-water shoaling tetra that should be kept in a group of at least 6, ideally 8–10 or more. Males are known for their display behaviour, where they flare their fins and show off to rivals and females. It looks especially good in planted aquariums with darker substrate, floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter and open swimming space.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is peaceful and well suited to calm community aquariums. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf Corydoras, Otocinclus, small plecos, peaceful dwarf cichlids and small gourami species. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, persistent fin nippers and very boisterous species that may stress the group.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, stable aquarium with clean water, gentle to moderate filtration and regular maintenance. Plant cover and shaded areas are appreciated, especially for displaying males and resting fish. Although generally hardy, Black Phantom Tetras should not be kept in very small groups, as proper shoal numbers help reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade, usually as captive-bred stock

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.