Black Phantom Tetra Care Guide
The Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a peaceful and elegant tropical freshwater fish popular among UK aquarists. Known for its smoky grey body, flowing fins, and distinctive dark shoulder patch, it's a favourite for planted and community aquariums.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Black Phantom Tetra care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Black Phantom Tetras
Black phantom tetras are small schooling fish native to South America. Males display darker coloration and extended finnage, while females are usually more reddish with shorter fins.
They are calm, social fish that thrive in planted community aquariums.
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
4-5 cm
South America (Brazil and Bolivia)
60L (15gal)
4-6 years
Peaceful, schooling
22-28°C
Omnivore (flakes, micro pellets, frozen, live foods)
6.0-7.5
£2-£5 per fish
How Many Black Phantom Tetras Should You Keep?
Black phantom tetras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups.
- A minimum group of 6-8 is recommended
- Larger groups encourage natural behaviour and stronger colouration
- Males may display harmless sparring behaviour with each other
Keeping too few can lead to:
- Stress and nervous behaviour
- Faded colours
- Increased shyness
They are most comfortable in larger schools.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Black Phantom Tetras
Providing the right environment helps black phantom tetras display their best colours and behaviour.
- Tank Setup: Peaceful planted aquarium with shaded areas
- Substrate: Dark substrate enhances colouration
- Plants & Decor: Dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter, and open swimming areas
- Water Conditions: Soft to moderately hard stable freshwater
- Filtration & Flow: Gentle to moderate filtration
- Lighting: Dim to moderate lighting preferred
A mature planted aquarium helps them feel secure.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Black phantom tetras are peaceful and ideal for community aquariums.
- Good Tankmates: rasboras, corydoras catfish, gouramis, kuhli loaches, and other peaceful tetras
- Avoid: aggressive fish and large predatory species
They coexist well with calm tropical fish.
Are Black Phantom Tetras Easy to Care For?
Black phantom tetras are easy to care for and suitable for beginners.
They require:
- Stable water quality
- Proper shoal sizes
- A varied diet
- Peaceful tankmates
They are hardy once established in a mature aquarium.
Black Phantom Tetra Price in the UK
In the UK, black phantom tetras typically cost between £2-£5 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and colour quality
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
They are affordable and commonly available.
Where to Buy Black Phantom Tetras in the UK
Black phantom tetras are widely available in UK aquarium shops and from hobbyist breeders.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to assess health and colouration
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Black Phantom Tetras?
Yes - black phantom tetras are commonly bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with responsible aquarists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Black Phantom Tetras
Black phantom tetras are omnivorous and easy to feed.
Key Tips
- Feed quality flakes or micro pellets
- Supplement with frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp
- Feed small portions 1-2 times daily
- Provide a varied diet to maintain strong colouration
Occasional live foods help encourage natural behaviour.
Common Problems with Black Phantom Tetras
Faded colours, often caused by:
- Stress
- Poor water quality
- Small group sizes
Shy behaviour, linked to:
- Insufficient cover
- Aggressive tankmates
Disease outbreaks, caused by:
- Poor maintenance
- Sudden water parameter changes
Why Black Phantom Tetras Are So Popular
- Elegant smoky coloration
- Peaceful schooling behaviour
- Ideal for planted aquariums
- Easy to care for
- Interesting male display behaviour
When kept correctly, black phantom tetras create a calm and sophisticated display in community aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least 6-8, though larger groups are recommended.
No, they are peaceful community fish.
Yes, they usually make excellent tankmates for peaceful gouramis.
At least 60 litres, with planted areas and swimming space.
Looking to Buy or Sell Black Phantom Tetras Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're adding peaceful schooling fish to your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.