Red Phantom Tetra – Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
The Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) is a peaceful freshwater schooling fish known for its deep red coloration, graceful movement, and subtle natural beauty. This elegant tetra is a great choice for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and peaceful community tanks.
Red Phantom Tetras look especially attractive against live plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and darker aquarium backgrounds. When kept in a proper group, they become more confident and display natural schooling behavior throughout the aquarium.
Key Features
- Deep red freshwater tetra
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Great for planted tanks and natural aquascapes
- Elegant movement and subtle coloration
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Beautiful contrast against live plants and darker backgrounds
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
- Common Name: Red Phantom Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10–20 gallons or larger recommended
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose Red Phantom Tetras?
Red Phantom Tetras are a beautiful option for aquarists who want a softer, more natural red fish for a planted freshwater aquarium. Their coloration is not overly flashy, but it adds warmth and depth to aquascapes and community tanks.
They are peaceful, active, and enjoyable to watch in groups. A school of Red Phantom Tetras adds movement without overwhelming calmer tankmates.
Ideal Tank Setup
Red Phantom Tetras do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with open swimming space and areas of cover. Live plants, driftwood, floating plants, and darker substrate can help them feel secure while enhancing their red coloration.
Keep them in groups of at least 6 or more for best behavior. Larger groups usually show better confidence, schooling activity, and color.
Compatible Tankmates
- Other peaceful tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Otocinclus
- Peaceful community fish
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Snails
Diet & Feeding
Red Phantom Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can consume within a few minutes.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Maintain clean, stable aquarium water
- Provide live plants and open swimming space
- Use peaceful community tankmates
- Feed a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Phantom Tetras peaceful?
Yes. Red Phantom Tetras are peaceful schooling fish that do well in calm freshwater community aquariums.
How many Red Phantom Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress.
Are Red Phantom Tetras good for planted tanks?
Yes. They are excellent for planted aquariums and natural aquascapes, where their red coloration stands out against greenery and darker backgrounds.
How big do Red Phantom Tetras get?
They typically reach approximately 1.5–2 inches as adults.
What do Red Phantom Tetras eat?
They eat quality flakes, micro pellets, small granules, frozen foods, and small live foods. A varied diet is best for health and color.
Can Red Phantom Tetras live with shrimp?
They can live with shrimp in planted aquariums with proper cover, though very small baby shrimp may be eaten by many fish.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Red Phantom Tetras are peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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