Red Phantom Tetra - (No Online Purchases)

Name: Red Phantom Tetra - Pick Up In Store Only

Scientific Name: Megalamphodus sweglesi — formerly Hyphessobrycon sweglesi.

Description: An attractive, peaceful tetra with a translucent red body and a distinctive black shoulder spot behind the gills. Mature males develop taller dorsal fins and display to one another, while females often have contrasting dark and pale fin markings. Their colours become more vibrant when settled in a planted aquarium.

Origin: South America; the upper and middle Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela.

pH: Approximately 5.0–7.0; prefers soft, acidic to neutral water.

Temperature: Around 20–25°C; prefers cooler conditions than many tropical tetras.

Adult Size: Approximately 3–4 cm.

Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 years with good care.

Food: Omnivorous. Feed quality small tropical flakes or micro pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp.

Compatibility: Suitable with small, peaceful fish sharing similar temperature and water requirements, including other gentle tetras, pencilfish and suitable Corydoras species. Keep in groups of at least eight, preferably ten or more. Avoid large, aggressive or boisterous tank mates.

Habitat: Provide an established freshwater aquarium with planted areas, driftwood, shaded retreats and open swimming space. A dark substrate and floating plants help show their red colouring. Maintain gentle to moderate filtration, good oxygenation and regular partial water changes. Avoid prolonged exposure to excessively warm water.