Black Phantom Tetra Care Guide: Tank Setup, Diet & Tankmates
The black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is one of the most underrated schooling fish in the hobby. It’s peaceful, hardy, easy to feed, and the males put on a charming “shadow-boxing” display that brings a planted tank to life. If you want a fish with personality that won’t outgrow a community setup, the black phantom tetra is a fantastic choice.
Black phantom tetra at a glance
These are small, deep-bodied tetras reaching about 1.5–2 inches. They’re smoky silver-gray with a dark vertical shoulder spot ringed in iridescent blue. Males are larger-finned and more dramatic; females show a subtle red tint near the fins. Expect a lifespan of 3–5 years with good care. For a broader look at the family, see our tetra care basics and complete guide to freshwater tetras.
Tank size & setup
A group is happy in a 20-gallon or larger tank with plenty of length for swimming. They look their best in a planted layout with darker substrate, driftwood, and some open water in front — the contrast really makes their colors pop. Our best fish for a planted aquarium guide pairs perfectly if you’re aquascaping around them.
Water parameters
Black phantom tetras are adaptable but prefer soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5) and temperatures of 72–79°F. They appreciate stable, mature water with gentle flow. Acclimate slowly and avoid sudden swings — like most tetras, consistency matters more than chasing exact numbers.
Diet & feeding
They’re easy-going omnivores. Offer a quality micro-pellet or flake as a staple and rotate in frozen or freeze-dried treats like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms to deepen color and condition for spawning. Feed small amounts once or twice a day. See our best fish food for community tanks for specific picks.
Temperament & schooling
Black phantoms are peaceful and best kept in groups of six or more — in a proper school, rival males flare and “spar” harmlessly, which is the main reason to keep them. Solo fish are shy and dull, so never keep just one. They’re a great pick for a peaceful community; browse more options in our best schooling fish roundup.
Tankmates
Pair them with other calm community fish: rasboras, corydoras, peaceful gouramis, and other tetras. They mix beautifully with the related black neon tetra and Columbian tetra. Avoid large or aggressive fish and notorious fin-nippers. For a striking warm-tone display, keep them alongside their cousins the red phantom tetra and yellow phantom tetra.
Breeding
They’re egg-scatterers that can be bred in a dimly lit tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop and soft, slightly acidic water. Condition a pair on live and frozen foods, then remove the adults after spawning since they’ll eat the eggs. Fry hatch in a couple of days and take infusoria, then baby brine shrimp.
The bottom line
The black phantom tetra is hardy, peaceful, and full of character — an ideal centerpiece school for a planted community tank. Keep a group of six or more, feed a varied diet, and give them stable water, and they’ll reward you with constant activity and those signature male displays. Ready to start a school? Check out our tetra collection.