Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi)
Bring vibrant color and elegant movement to your aquarium with the Red Phantom Tetra, a stunning and peaceful schooling fish native to the rivers of South America. With their semi-transparent, ruby-red bodies and distinctive black dorsal fin spot, Red Phantom Tetras add charm and character to any community tank. These hardy fish are ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
🔍 Product Details
Common Name: Red Phantom Tetra
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
Origin: Orinoco River basin, Colombia & Venezuela
Adult Size: Up to 4 cm (1.5 inches)
Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care
🌡️ Water & Tank Requirements
Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)
pH Level: 6.0 – 7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (recommended 20+ gallons for schools)
Tank Setup: Heavily planted with driftwood and subdued lighting
Swimming Zone: Middle to top levels
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
Red Phantom Tetras are omnivorous and not picky eaters. They will readily accept:
High-quality micro pellets or flake food
Frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp
Occasional live foods to enhance coloration and vitality
Feed them 2–3 small meals per day, ensuring food is consumed within a few minutes.
🤝 Behavior & Compatibility
Red Phantom Tetras are peaceful, social, and active, best kept in groups of at least 6–8. When kept in schools, they display their best colors and natural behavior.
Good tank mates include:
Other peaceful tetras (e.g., Black Phantom, Neon, Ember)
Rasboras
Corydoras catfish
Dwarf gouramis
Small peaceful cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma)
Avoid fin-nipping or overly aggressive species.
📝 Care Tips
Perform weekly water changes (20–30%) to maintain water quality
Provide hiding spots with plants and driftwood to reduce stress
Use a dark substrate and low lighting to enhance their coloration
Always quarantine new fish before adding to a community tank
Red Phantom Tetras are an excellent choice for those seeking a colorful, easy-to-care-for schooling fish. Their shimmering red bodies and calm nature make them a favorite in planted and community aquariums alike.
*Due to natural variations, the product may differ in appearance from the picture provided.*
