Red Phantom Tetra

The Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) is a beautiful and active fish known for its deep, round body, striking red coloration, and fascinating dominance displays. It makes an excellent addition to a peaceful, planted community aquarium.

Here is a guide focusing on the popular Red Phantom Tetra, including a short meta description.

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Red Phantom Tetra Care Guide (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi)

 

 

Appearance and Behavior

 

The Red Phantom Tetra has a beautiful, translucent red-pink body and a distinct black shoulder spot behind the gills.

• Coloration: The fins, especially the dorsal and caudal, are vibrant red. Males display a more intense red color and have elongated dorsal/anal fins, often sparring with each other in harmless “mock fights.”
• Female Markings: Females are rounder and often show a small white tip on their dorsal fin, making them easy to distinguish from males.
• Shoaling: They are active mid-water shoalers that thrive when kept in groups.

 

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

Red Phantoms flourish in conditions that mimic their soft, acidic, dimly lit natural habitat.

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons is recommended for a small school. A long tank (60–75 cm) is better for their schooling activity.
• Schooling: Keep them in groups of at least 8–10 individuals to minimize stress and encourage natural behavior (like the male fin displays).
• Temperature: Stable tropical range: 72°–82° F (22°–28° C).
• pH Level: Prefers soft, slightly acidic water: 6.0 to 7.5. Tannins from driftwood and leaf litter help enhance their coloring.
• Aquascape: They love densely planted tanks with dark substrate and driftwood, leaving ample open space for swimming in the middle water column. Subdued lighting is appreciated.

 

Diet and Feeding

 

The Red Phantom Tetra is an omnivorous micro-predator.

• Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or tropical flakes.
• Supplementation: A varied diet including fine frozen or live meaty foods is essential for maximum color and vitality: Baby Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and finely chopped Bloodworms.

 

Compatibility

 

• Good Tank Mates: Other peaceful tetras, Corydoras catfish, peaceful Rasboras, and smaller dwarf cichlids.
• Avoid: Large, aggressive fish. While they are generally peaceful, any long-finned, slow-moving tank mates should be introduced with caution to avoid fin-nipping.