The Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5 is a striking, yet peaceful schooling fish that brings subtle colour and constant movement to a community aquarium. With their smoky grey‑black body, dark shoulder patch and contrasting fins, Black Phantom Tetras look especially good in planted tanks with softer lighting.
At around 3–3.5cm, these Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5 are a great size for adding to an established aquarium. They are active, social fish that feel most secure in a shoal and show their best behaviour when kept in a group.
Appearance and Size
- Species: Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)
- Colour: translucent grey to smoky black body with a dark “phantom” patch behind the gill
- Fins: males often show more extended, darker fins; females tend to be rounder in body
- Size at sale: approximately 3–3.5cm
- Adult size: stays small, ideal for community tanks
A group of Black Phantom Tetras creates a beautiful, understated contrast to brighter species and lush green plants.
Tank Requirements for Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5
Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5 are small, active schooling fish that appreciate:
- Tank size: from at least 2ft+ for a small group, larger is better for bigger shoals
- Décor: planted aquariums with open swimming space and some shaded or darker areas
- Filtration: gentle to moderate flow with good biological filtration
- Substrate: sand or fine gravel, with driftwood, plants and leaf litter for a natural look
Keep Black Phantom Tetras in groups of at least 6–8 (more if space allows) to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling and display behaviour.
Water Parameters (Guide Only)
Black Phantom Tetras are fairly hardy and adapt well if changes are slow:
- Temperature: around 23–27°C
- pH: roughly 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: soft to moderately hard water
- Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: kept low with regular water changes
Stable, clean water and a mature filter are key for long‑term health of your Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5.
Feeding Black Phantom Tetra
The Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5 is an omnivore and enjoys a varied diet:
- Quality micro pellets or fine flakes for small tropical fish
- Frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and finely chopped bloodworms
- Occasional vegetable‑based or spirulina‑rich foods
Feeding small amounts 1–2 times per day keeps your Black Phantom Tetras active, colourful and in good condition.
Behaviour and Tank Mates
Black Phantom Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do very well in community aquariums:
- Behaviour: active mid‑water swimmers, with males often displaying to each other
- Temperament: generally peaceful, ideal for calm community setups
- Best kept: in shoals of at least 6–8 Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5
Suitable tank mates include other small peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small peaceful catfish and dwarf cichlids. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may harass or eat Black Phantom Tetras.
Important Notes
- Always introduce Black Phantom Tetra 3/3.5 to a mature, cycled aquarium.
- Keep them in groups for best colour, confidence and natural schooling behaviour.
- Regular maintenance and good filtration help keep this species healthy long‑term.
