Black Phantom (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

For those seeking to introduce a visually arresting and distinct fish to their aquarium, the Black Phantom (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) could be the ideal option. Aquarium enthusiasts love this little but striking species because of its unique fin shapes and sleek, dark body that stand out.

Originating from South America’s rivers and streams, the Black Phantom is renowned for its hardiness and versatility. It may add a little wildness to your home tank and grows well in well-kept aquariums. This fish is a beautiful addition to a community tank, as well as a visual delight due to its graceful appearance and lively behavior.

We’ll go into detail in this post about taking care of Black Phantoms, including everything from what kind of environment is best for them to eat. You’ll find helpful advice to help you maintain the health and happiness of these fascinating fish, regardless of experience level. Prepare to learn why the Black Phantom is regarded as one of the greatest jewels in the aquarium industry.

Scientific Name Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Common Name Black Phantom Tetra
Size Up to 4 cm
Temperament Peaceful, social
Water Temperature 22-28°C
pH Range 6.0-7.5
Diet Omnivore
Tank Size Minimum 40 liters

Habitat and Range

South America: Bolivian and Brazilian river basins of the Guaporé and upper Paraguay rivers.

Originating in Bolivia and western Brazil, it is native to the upper Rio Madeira, the main branch of the western Amazon watershed, which includes the major tributaries Rios Beni and Mamore, as well as the upper Rio Paraguay in Brazil.

The majority of the entries make reference to the upper Rio Paraguay, which also has its headwaters in the Pantanal but flows in the opposite direction, and the Rio Guapora (Rio Itenez in Bolivia), the principal tributary of the Rio Mamore, which drains the enormous tropical wetlands known as the Pantanal. Rising water levels during the annual rainy season connect Guaporé and Paraguay.

Usually finds aggregations around patches of riparian vegetation or submerged tree roots in stagnant and slowly moving tributaries and creeks, including ponds and small lakes.

Small characins are frequently discovered in the Pantanal’s crystal-clear waters, which are home to a lot of submerged vegetation. At least 280 species of aquatic macrophytes have been found in the wetland, including members of genera that are well-known in aquarium hobbyists like Echinodorus, Bacopa, Ludwigia, Sagittaria, Eleocharis, and Salvinia.

Description

The body is elevated and has lateral flattening. The caudal fin has two lobes, while the dorsal fin is tall. An adipose fin exists.

The male’s background is dark gray to black, with a lighter tone on the abdomen. There are irregularly shaped black spots on the sides that are encircled by a glowing bluish-purple border. All fins are black, with the exception of the pectoral ones. The female’s fins are reddish and her body is brownish-red.

Since the juveniles’ skin tones are primarily reddish, it is very challenging to determine their sex.

You will quickly understand why the fish is appropriately named "black phantom" when you see it in the semi-darkness of the aquarium. In low light, the fish appears to vanish, leaving only the pearl stripes on the sides to show.

Size:

About 40 mm is the maximum standard length.

Behavior and compatibility

It is best to keep in groups of five or more people.

This fish is peaceful, gregarious, and active in schools. Its colors contrast well with those of many other species. Perfect complement to a community aquarium with other calm fish. compatible with fish species such as carp and characin that are quiet and small. Fish that are good for joint maintenance include apistograms and other dwarf and medium-sized cichlids, corydoras and other peaceful bottom dwellers, and smaller loricariids.

This is a schooling species, so try to catch as many as you can from groups of ten or more. In these groups, the fish are less shy and more active, more visible, have better coloring, and behave more naturally.

Aquarium

The smallest aquarium that is taken into consideration should have basic measurements of 80 * 30 cm or similar.

A highly versatile species that thrives in a wide range of aquarium environments, despite their aversion to intense lighting. but looks fantastic in planted aquariums where the plants are tightly packed, showcasing their vibrant hue.

Ideal for housing in a large communal aquarium with lots of surrounding greenery, floating plants, room for swimming, dim lighting, and a dark substrate.

Can be housed in an aquarium featuring a biotope from the Amazon. Add a few branched snags and use river sand as the substrate. A couple of handfuls of dried leaves, either oak or beech, will finish the rustic appearance. It should be fairly dark outside.

Water parameters:

In the range of 22 to 28°C pH range: 5.0 to 7.5 Hardness: 18° dGH and higher

Aeration and filtration are required, as well as once a week water changes of up to 25% of the total volume.

The Black Phantom Tetra, or Hyphessobrycon megalopterus, is a striking fish kept in aquariums for its elegant fins and sleek, dark coloring. Originating in South America, this species is relatively easy to care for and adds a sophisticated touch to any tank. We’ll go into great detail in this article about how to keep Black Phantom Tetras in your aquarium, including information on their food, social behaviors, and habitat requirements.

Feeding

In the wild, they eat invertebrates, phyto- and zooplankton, and insect larvae that sink or float in water.

Being omnivores, they can thrive in aquariums on a diet of dry food; however, similar to other fish, they prefer a varied diet, which in this case includes frozen and live food.

Take food reluctantly from the ground.

Sexual dimorphism

While females are typically higher-bodied and have noticeably smaller reddish-colored ventral, anal, and adipose fins, adult males have black fins with enlarged ventral, dorsal, and anal fins.

Reaches sexual maturity between six and seven months of age.

Breeding

Fry may appear in the aquarium on their own, given the right conditions. It takes a little more of an organized approach to get them to multiply.

The males and females of these fish should be kept apart for a few days prior to being placed in the aquarium for breeding. The preparedness for spawning is increased by intensive feeding with live food.

The ideal way to seed is in pairs, but groups of one or two males and several females can also work well. A spawning tank that holds seven to ten liters for a pair is required for breeding. On the bottom is a separator net filled with a variety of small-leaved plants, like Java moss.

Breeding water specifications include settled water that is pH 6.0–6.5, hardness 1-3, temperature 27–28 °C, and up to 15-20 cm of water. The lighting is hazy and weak.

Although producers are sown in the evening, they rarely spawn the same day—usually two to three days later. Males have their most vivid coloring during the mating season. The male entices the female by displaying his full coloring and spreading his fins. She flings seven or twelve eggs while pressing her body against him. The cycle then starts over. In a single litter, young producers lay 30 to 50 eggs, while adults lay up to 150. The eggs are a pale amber in color and fairly large.

Following spawning, the producers are taken out of the aquarium, along with the separator net and the majority of the plants. The eggs are then shaken off and the aquarium is shaded. The protective qualities of the eggs are thought to be weakened by closely related breeding, and within a few hours, they may nearly perish. It is recommended to use 0.5 tablets of erythromycin for every 15 liters of water to avoid this (crush the tablet, place the dose in a nylon bag, and hang it in the water current produced by the sprayer). Unfertilized eggs turn white after two to three hours and need to be removed.

For 24 to 36 hours, the incubation period lasts. After three to five more days, the fry start to swim and eat. Ciliates and rotifers are starter food; as the nauplii develop, brine shrimp and cyclops. The fry will be drawn to the area in the aquarium where food organisms are concentrated by the presence of floating plants, which will also facilitate their feeding. The fry have no disease resistance at all. As a result, it is crucial to ensure that the water is pure and that pollutants are removed as soon as possible. The spawning tank’s water needs to be changed on a regular basis. It is preferable to do this more frequently and gradually.

The anal and ventral fins of young fish are red, and in males, they turn black after five months.

In ten to fifteen days, the female is prepared for another round of spawning under ideal conditions and nutritious diet.

The average lifespan is five years.

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus, also known as the Black Phantom tetra, is a striking addition to any freshwater aquarium. It stands out among tank inhabitants with its sleek black body and characteristic red fins. These fish are a fantastic option for both novice and expert aquarists because they are not only visually stunning but also reasonably easy to care for.

The main goal when setting up a tank for Black Phantoms is to create an area that is partially open for swimming and is densely planted. They do best in groups, so try to find a school with at least six students to make sure they feel safe and can behave as they would naturally. Their versatility as an aquarium inhabitant is further enhanced by their ability to coexist peacefully with other species.

All things considered, Black Phantom tetras are easy to maintain and add a hint of exoticism to your aquarium. Fish enthusiasts love them for their lively nature and dynamic appearance. The Black Phantom is a great option if you want to fill your tank with a visually appealing but low-maintenance fish.

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Black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)

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Anton Popov

A professional aquarist with over 15 years of experience. Main specialization - marine aquariums and creating optimal conditions for keeping rare species of fish and corals. I am fond of aquascaping, actively participate in international competitions. I love to share knowledge and experience to help others create the beauty of the underwater world at home.

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