Black Phantom Tetra - Profile | Size | Tank Mates | Care

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The Black Phantom Tetra, scientific name Hyphessobrycon megalopterus is a freshwater fish that’s highly popular amongst pet house owners and aquarium aficionados. Belonging to the family Characidae, these fishes may be distinguished by the existence of a tiny adipose fin located between their caudal fins and their dorsal fins.

In this article, I am going to talk about Black Phantom Tetra size, tank mates, temperature, breeding, lifespan, male vs female, care, with a betta, male and female, for sale, etc.

Like most tetras, they don’t seem to be difficult to maintain in captivity, making them extremely beneficial pets for family aquaria.

Fishkeeping hobbyists could also be interested in knowing that tetras owe their identity from the truth that they possess a complete of 4 unpaired fins. These are the dorsal, caudal, anal, and eventually, the adipose fin.

Black Phantom Tetra Species Profile

Common Names: Black phantom petra, phantom tetra
Scientific Name: Megalamphodus megalopterus
Adult Size: 1 3/4 inches (4 1/2 cm)
Life Expectancy: 5 years
Characteristics
Family Characidae
Origin Paraguay, Brazil
Social Peaceful, rival males, may fin nip
Tank Level Mid-dweller
Minimum Tank Size 10 gallons
Diet Omnivore, eats most foods
Breeding Egglayer
Care Intermediate
pH 6.0 to 7.5
Hardness to 18 dGH
Temperature 72 to 82 F (22 to 28 C)

Black Phantom Tetra Origin and Distribution

The black phantom tetra makes its home in South America in Bolivia and in areas of western Brazil together with the Guaporé River basin and Rio Sao Francisco. In some areas, similar to Guapore (Brazil) and Paraguay, they are often present in clear waters that move into the wetlands of Pantanal.

In different areas, nevertheless, they like slow-moving, murky waters which might be thick with vegetation. Black phantom tetras are shoaling fish that dwell in massive teams.

In the wild, they eat bugs, worms, and crustaceans. The species is below no threat and is broadly distributed.

Black Phantom Tetra lifespan

Avid aquarists ought to know that this specific class is benthopelagic, which means they require tropical temperatures with a purpose to thrive, particularly between 72 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit or 22- 28 degrees Celsius.

Since its unique dwelling consists of dense vegetation, pet house owners ought to perceive that this tetra is more likely to develop effectively in a planted aquatic surroundings whereas in captivity. They have a normal lifespan of 5 – 6 years.

Black Phantom Tetra Colors and Markings

Black phantoms make a surprising distinction fish when paired with their red-hued cousins such because the pink phantom, jewel, or serpae tetras.

They have an attractive, flat, oval physique that’s silvery grey with a particular, vertical splash of black-edged on its back and front with a bluish-white simply behind the gills.

An odd location for an eye-spot, this splash virtually resembles the coloring of a human eye. The true eye of this fish is edged in black on the highest and bottom.

Black Phantom Tetra Tankmates

Black phantom tetras swim in massive teams within the wild so that they do greatest in teams of at least eight or extra in captivity.

In addition, they do effectively with different tetras and look notably placing when paired with the pink phantom tetra.

Black phantoms are additionally suitable with different peaceable species however may be threatened by more aggressive fish.

Some good choices for tankmates include different live-bearing fish similar to gouramis, danios, rasboras, or small, non-aggressive cichlids. Peaceful bottom-dwellers may also share their habitat.

Black Phantom Tetra Habitat and Care

Phantoms choose a well-planted tank (notably floating vegetation), subdued lighting, and a darkish substrate similar to river sand. It’s possible you’ll need to embody some dried leaves and driftwood within the tank. Change the water regularly as they’re sensitive to poor water high quality.

Black phantom tetras are a really active species so that they do greatest in a tank that’s at the least 40 inches in size.

It is a good suggestion to have a tight-fitting cover, as black phantom tetras can jump. Water parameters should not vital and could also be mushy to laborious, acidic to barely alkaline.

It isn’t uncommon for the mildly hierarchical males to say small territories and quarrel with different males on the edges of their turf.

Tussles may be intriguing to observe because the habits entail unusual “mirroring” that generally appears like tandem swimming.

The battles are minor and cross without harm, nevertheless, frequent challenges add to a state of continual stress that may shorten life spans. If fish are in battle each day, rebuild your system into a bigger tank.

Black Phantom Tetra Diet and Feeding

Black phantoms are completely satisfied eaters, and they’ll settle for most meals.

Give them a diversified diet of superb flake and freeze-dried meals, in addition to small dwell meals similar to brine shrimp, to maintain them in optimum health.

Black Phantom Tetra Tank Setup and Conditions

One outstanding attribute of the Black Phantom Tetra which makes it a favorite amongst aquarium hobbyists is their resilience. This high quality additionally makes them excellent for beginner fish-keepers.

This specific species has the capability to adapt beautifully effectively to modifications in-water situation.

Furthermore, these fishes are confirmed to be sociable tank mates and are thus, extremely beneficial for neighborhood tanks.

One might preserve these fishes in pairs or in colleges of 5. Nevertheless, you will need to be aware that these tetras are energetic swimmers.

Therefore, it’s advisable to put them in an extended fish tank, ideally at the least 20 inches in size and if potential, with a quantity of a minimum of 76 liters.

Aquariums with soft water and peat-filtering are suggested for these fishes.

The Black Phantom Tetra will admire open surroundings through which will probably be capable of swim freely.

However, make sure that the edges and the again of the tank are densely planted. Darkish-colored gravel and plant covers are additionally advised.

Fish hobbyists ought to know that these fishes might seem fairly uninteresting in a poorly organized aquarium, however, a backdrop of wealthy foliage can deliver out the fantastic thing about these water creatures.

Additionally, a dimly lit aquarium will assist improve and emphasize the fish’s enticing coloring.

Probably the most excellent properties for these fishes are biotope aquaria. This means that the vegetation and the furnishings and even the water chemistry ought to be made to simulate a pure setting. It’s possible you’ll acquire river sand with dried leaves for use for the bottom, together with some driftwood roots.

Nevertheless, should you select so as to add dried leaves into the substrate, you’ll want to replace them after just a few weeks, or else they’ll find yourself tingeing the water with a brownish coloring.

One other important tip is to make sure that the tank is safely lined. It’s because the Black Phantom Tetra is sort of a jumper.

Additionally, be aware that these fishes are matched for Nano aquariums however not appropriate for the brackish sorts.

Their most popular pH range is an average of 6.5. In the meantime, the beneficial hardness range is an average of 10 dGH.

Ideally, the water motion has to be reasonable. Their tank degree is taken into account as mid-dweller.

Count on these tetras to wander away in all areas of the aquarium—prime, aspect, backside.

The aquarium water, at the least 30% of it, ought to be modified each different week, notably whether it is closely stocked.

Black Phantom Tetra Diet and Feeding

Black phantoms are completely satisfied eaters, and they will settle for most meals. Give them a diversified diet of superb flake and freeze-dried meals, in addition to small live meals similar to brine shrimp, to maintain them in optimum well being.

Black Phantom Tetra male and female

Males may be recognized by their longer fins and total lack of red color. Grownup males have black fins or fins which might be edged in black; the dorsal, ventral, and anal fins are enlarged in comparison with the feminine.

Females are deeper-bodied and have a tendency to have reddish pelvic, anal, and adipose fins.

If not absolutely pink, they have a particular pink tint to their fins and even to the mid-body, which can also be fuller than the males.

This reddish hue within the females generally causes them to be confused with different tetra species.

Breeding the Black Phantom Tetra

Arrange a breeding tank with plentiful floating vegetation and dim lighting. Setting it up without a substrate will make the task simpler to maintain clear whereas elevating the fry.

Previous to spawning, a situation the mating pair with small dwell meals, similar to mosquito larvae. As soon as positioned within the breeding tank, preserve feeding to a minimal to protect cleanliness.

Set off spawning by decreasing the pH to 5.5 and dropping the hardness of the water to four dGH.

Peat filtration is the perfect methodology to realize the required water parameters.

Males will have interaction in elaborate courtship fin shows that finish with the female launch and scattering of as much as 300 eggs.

As soon as the eggs have been laid, take away the breeding pair from the tank. Fry are very delicate to gentle, so cowl three sides of the tank with cardboard.

Excellent water high quality is important to stop fungal progress on the eggs of this species. Feed each few hours with very small commercially ready fry meals or freshly hatched brine shrimp.

After 10 days, feed finely crushed flake meals. Carry out water modifications at the least as soon as every week.

Black Phantom Tetra Common Diseases

Similar to most fishes, the Black Phantom Tetra is prone to parasitic infestations, bacterial infections, in addition to pores and skin flukes.

They could even be susceptible to the protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.

It is vital for fish-keepers to do not forget that something that’s launched into the tank is usually a potential provider of infection and might probably alter and threaten the steadiness within the aquatic surroundings.

Micro organism-carrying objects might embody substrate, vegetation, and furnishings.

That mentioned, these black phantoms may be exceedingly powerful and with a well-maintained tank, pet house owners ought to encounter very minimal issues.

Normally, when arrested within the early levels, diseases are likely to have an effect on just one or a handful of the specimens.

Each pet proprietor ought to make it a degree to analyze on varied ailments affecting pet fishes in order that they are able to spot and cease the incidence of any an infection earlier than it spreads.

One of the best ways so that you can stop the incidence of any illness is to supply your pets with a wholesome, well-balanced weight-reduction plan and to make sure that the aquatic surroundings are stored clear.

An extra natural-looking tank is extra prone to reduce the stress amongst these creatures as they’re stored in captivity.

Black Phantom Tetra temparament

As previously talked about, the Black Phantom Tetra is a social species and it’s typically non-aggressive.

Moreover, not like different tetras that have to be stored in teams, it’s completely superb to maintain these species by twos.

Nevertheless, should you’re planning on retaining two or extra male tetras collectively, be sure that the tank area is massive sufficient. In any other case, there are perhaps issues regarding the claiming of territory.

Black phantoms show a darker shade every time they’re defending their turf. When you discover that their edgings have grown very distinct, then that they’re in full defense mode.

For such causes, forming natural partitions like ornamental vegetation could also be essential to separate every fish’s individual zone.

When retaining two male fishes collectively, anticipate the incidence of mock fights. The great factor is that these battles don’t typically result in accidents.

The worst-case scenario is that the 2 male fishes will find yourself ripping each other’s’ fins.

However, with proper care, such wounds can heal very quickly. Count on these black phantoms to show more aggressiveness during spawning.

The Black Phantom Tetra has been observed to create transient dominance hierarchies.

In such a construction, the males will compete fiercely for the females’ attention. This is why it’s advisable for fish-keepers to keep up a mixed-sex group.

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