Black Phantom Tetra 4cm – Peaceful Freshwater Aquarium Fish

Bring subtle colour and fascinating behaviour to your aquarium with the Black Phantom Tetra (Megalamphodus megalopterus). This peaceful South American freshwater fish is known for its smoky silver-grey body, distinctive black shoulder marking and elegant fins.

Black Phantom Tetras are an excellent choice for planted community aquariums. Their calm temperament, manageable adult size and interesting social behaviour make them suitable for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.

Our 4cm Black Phantom Tetras are an ideal addition to an established freshwater aquarium, especially when kept in groups where their natural behaviour can be enjoyed.

Why Choose Black Phantom Tetras?

• Peaceful community fish: Suitable for aquariums with other peaceful, similarly sized species.
• Distinctive appearance: Smoky silver colouring, dark markings and attractive fins.
• Interesting social behaviour: Males regularly display their fins during harmless territorial interactions.
• Great for planted aquariums: Look particularly attractive among green plants and darker substrates.
• Beginner-friendly: Relatively straightforward to maintain in an established aquarium with stable water conditions.

Black Phantom Tetra Fish Profile

• Scientific Name: Megalamphodus megalopterus (formerly Hyphessobrycon megalopterus)
• Common Name: Black Phantom Tetra
• Size Supplied: Approximately 4cm
• Adult Size: Approximately 4–5cm total length
• Origin: South America – Brazil and Bolivia
• Temperament: Peaceful; males may display to one another
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Aquarium: Approximately 75–80 litres for a small group, with adequate swimming length
• Temperature: 22–27°C recommended
• pH: 6.0–7.5, preferably slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water; approximately 2–12 dGH preferred
• Diet: Omnivore
• Swimming Level: Primarily mid-water
• Group Size: Minimum 6; ideally 8–10 or more
• Expected Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 years with suitable care

Temperament and Tank Mates

Black Phantom Tetras are peaceful fish that thrive when kept alongside other calm community species. They are social fish and should be maintained in groups of at least six, although eight or more is preferable.

Male Black Phantom Tetras sometimes face one another, spread their fins and engage in short displays. This is normal behaviour and generally does not result in injury when the fish have sufficient space.

Suitable tank mates can include:

• Other peaceful, similarly sized tetras
• Harlequin Rasboras
• Corydoras Catfish
• Peaceful dwarf gouramis
• Small, peaceful community fish with similar water requirements

Avoid keeping them with large predatory fish or highly aggressive species. Very small or delicate fish should also be selected with care.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Black Phantom Tetras look particularly attractive in a planted freshwater aquarium. Their darker markings contrast beautifully against green aquarium plants and natural decorations.

For the best results, provide:

• Live aquarium plants around the sides and rear of the aquarium
• Open swimming space through the middle
• Driftwood or other natural hiding areas
• Gentle to moderate water movement
• Subdued lighting or shaded areas
• Stable water conditions and regular aquarium maintenance

A darker substrate can help highlight their natural colouring. Floating plants can also provide shade and a more comfortable environment.

Explore our live aquarium plants to create a natural environment for your fish.

Feeding Black Phantom Tetras

Black Phantom Tetras are omnivorous and generally accept a wide variety of aquarium foods.

A balanced diet should include:

• Quality tropical fish flakes
• Small sinking or slow-sinking micro pellets
• Frozen or live brine shrimp
• Daphnia and other appropriately sized small foods

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, offering only what your fish can comfortably consume within a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Black Phantom Tetras should I keep together?

Keep at least six Black Phantom Tetras together, although groups of eight to ten or more are recommended. Larger groups encourage natural social behaviour and help distribute interactions between males.

Are Black Phantom Tetras aggressive?

Black Phantom Tetras are generally peaceful. Males may display their fins and briefly chase one another, but this is usually harmless social behaviour rather than serious aggression.

How big do Black Phantom Tetras grow?

Black Phantom Tetras typically reach approximately 4–5cm in total length. The fish supplied in this listing are approximately 4cm.

Can Black Phantom Tetras live with guppies?

They can sometimes coexist with guppies in a spacious, peaceful community aquarium. However, their preferred water conditions differ, and long-finned guppies should be monitored for fin nipping or stress. Choose tank mates based on compatible water requirements and temperament.

Are Black Phantom Tetras suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. Black Phantom Tetras are excellent additions to planted aquariums. They appreciate plant cover, shaded areas and open spaces for swimming.

Are Black Phantom Tetras easy to care for?

Yes. Black Phantom Tetras are suitable for beginners who can provide an established aquarium, stable water quality, suitable food and an appropriately sized group.

Buy Black Phantom Tetras Online in Australia

Add a group of Black Phantom Tetras to your freshwater aquarium and enjoy their attractive colouring and fascinating natural behaviour.

Shop with Aquaholics Online, your Sunshine Coast aquarium specialist. Browse our range of live freshwater aquarium fish and aquarium supplies, available to customers across eligible Australian delivery areas.