Description

Red Phantom Tetra – Hyphessobrycon sweglesi

The Red Phantom Tetra is a charming species that’s often overlooked because of its monochrome appearance as a juvenile. They make great additions to aquariums with colourful centrepiece fish like discus and gourami. They are a shoaling species that should be kept in a group of 6 or more individuals.

The Aquarium

Red Phantom Tetras require a minimum of 60L for a shoal. This species prefers soft, acidic water that is cooler than most Tetras would like. The aquarium should be well furnished with plants, wood and rocks with sandy substrate to reflect its natural habitat. The furnishings will help a great deal with making these delicate fish feel confident and safe, as well as providing escapes from any feuds between two males. Shady areas can be created with floating plants. The aquarium should be mature before considering Red Phantom Tetras as they are very sensitive and don’t tolerate fluctuating parameters or pollutants.

Red Phantom Tetra Behaviour

Red PhantomTetra are a peaceful shoaling species. They don’t tend to concern themselves with other species, though some aquarists have suggested that they can be a little nippy. The males do occasionally spar, but don’t tend to cause each other any harm. They should be kept in shoals of at least 6 specimens, but larger shoals will allow for a real hierarchy to form as the males try to impress the females. This will in turn bring out better colouration among the entire shoal and display some really interesting behaviours.

Tank Mates

This species does prefer cooler waters than most South Americans. We recommend housing them with other similarly sized Tetras like Widows and Neons, as well as loaches, suckermouth catfish and smaller, non-predatory cichlids

Red Phantom Tetra Feeding

Food can be offered in the form of micro pellets as well as fresh or frozen fish foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm.

If you have any questions about keeping these tetra and whether they’re suitable for you, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions

Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!