Black Phantom Tetra-Hyphessobrycon megalopterus

BLACK PHANTOM TETRA
Also: Megalomphodus megalopterus

Origins:South America, where it occurs in areas of central Brazil and Bolivia.
Size:2 in.
Diet:Prepared foods and small livefoods.
Water:Temperature 73-82F; soft (50-100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5).
Temperament:Social and nonaggressive.

A black blotch behind the gills is a characteristic of these tetras, as is the relatively transparent body hence the "phantom" of their common name. They look elegant in a shoal, thanks in part to the tall dorsal fin, which is more prominent in males. Include floating plants in their tank to mimic their natural habitat. Commercial breeding has made Black Phantom Tetras mroe tolerant in terms of their water chemistry needs, but soft, acidic conditions will give the best chance of spawning success. The eggs are scattered at random, after which the adults must be removed from the spawning tank so that they do not devour them. It takes about five days before the young are free-swimming, at which stage they should be offered a suitable fry food.