Megalamphodus Megalopterus - Black Phantom Tetras

$5.00

The Megalamphodus Megalopterus - Black Phantom Tetras (3cm) is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern community aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a translucent smoky-grey body and a bold, black "phantom" patch behind the gills, this 3cm variant is a masterclass in aquatic aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of characin husbandry, the Black Phantom Tetra is highly prized for its striking dorsal fins and its ability to add a moody, sophisticated contrast to vibrant planted systems.

Unlike many hyperactive tetra species, Black Phantoms engage in fascinating "mock battles" where males flare their fins to establish hierarchy without causing harm. They are exceptionally active swimmers that occupy the middle levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and rhythmic movement that brings a professional edge to any aquascape.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Variant Size: 3cm

  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

  • Diet: Omnivore

  • Reef Compatible: N/A (Freshwater)

  • Max Size: 1.75 Inches

  • Temperature: 72° to 82°F

  • dKH: 4 to 8

  • pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Husbandry Notes

The 3cm Black Phantom Tetra is an ideal candidate for a community planted tank. While they are hardy and adaptable, they show their best colors in slightly acidic water with plenty of leaf litter or driftwood to provide natural tannins. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen meaty foods—such as daphnia and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. Because they are schooling fish, keeping them in groups of six or more is mandatory to ensure they feel secure and display their impressive fin-flaring behavior.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.

The Megalamphodus Megalopterus - Black Phantom Tetras (3cm) is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern community aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a translucent smoky-grey body and a bold, black "phantom" patch behind the gills, this 3cm variant is a masterclass in aquatic aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of characin husbandry, the Black Phantom Tetra is highly prized for its striking dorsal fins and its ability to add a moody, sophisticated contrast to vibrant planted systems.

Unlike many hyperactive tetra species, Black Phantoms engage in fascinating "mock battles" where males flare their fins to establish hierarchy without causing harm. They are exceptionally active swimmers that occupy the middle levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and rhythmic movement that brings a professional edge to any aquascape.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Variant Size: 3cm

  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

  • Diet: Omnivore

  • Reef Compatible: N/A (Freshwater)

  • Max Size: 1.75 Inches

  • Temperature: 72° to 82°F

  • dKH: 4 to 8

  • pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Husbandry Notes

The 3cm Black Phantom Tetra is an ideal candidate for a community planted tank. While they are hardy and adaptable, they show their best colors in slightly acidic water with plenty of leaf litter or driftwood to provide natural tannins. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen meaty foods—such as daphnia and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. Because they are schooling fish, keeping them in groups of six or more is mandatory to ensure they feel secure and display their impressive fin-flaring behavior.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.