Black Phantom Tetra

Megalamphodus megalopterus

Black Phantom Tetra is a peaceful middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 10+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Black Phantom Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 5–7
GH: 7–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 5–7, GH 7–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Black Phantom Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Black Phantom Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 10+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Bolivia, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Bloodfin Tetra Aphyocharax anisitsi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 64–82°F (18–28°C) Blue Purple Emperor Tetra Inpaichthys kerri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Apricot Tetra Dectobrycon armeniacus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.6 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Black Phantom Tetra get?

Black Phantom Tetra reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Black Phantom Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Black Phantom Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Black Phantom Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Black Phantom Tetra?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.

Should Black Phantom Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Black Phantom Tetra: Keep in a loose group of 10+.