Fish Data : Black Phantom Tetra

Description:

    The largest scientifically measured wild Black phantom tetra was 3.6 centimetres (1.4 inches) in length, but aquarists have reported Black phantom tetras to reach a length of 4.5 centimetres (1.75 inches) in captivity.

    This fish is an attractive and peaceful member of the tetra family, Their flat oval body is silvery gray with a distinctive splash of black edged in white just behind the gills. The fins of the male are edged in black, while the fins of females have a reddish hue which somtimes causes them to be confused with other species of tetras.

Other Information

-  Scientific Name: Megalamphodus megalopterus

-  Family: Characidae

-  Origin: Brazil

-  Adult Size: 1.75 inches (4.5 cm)

-  Social: Peaceful schooling fish

-  Lifespan: 5 years

-  Tank Level: Mid dweller

-  Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons

-  Diet: Omnivore, eats most foods

-  Breeding: Egglayer

-  Care: Intermediate

-  pH: 6.0 - 7.5

-  Hardness: to 18 dGH

-  Temperature: 72-82 F (22-28 C)

Black phantom tetra behaviour:

    Black phantom tetras are non-aggressive and a great addition to a peaceful community aquarium with species of similar size. They are very active and inhabit all areas of the aquarium; top, middle and bottom. 

    The Black phantom tetra is a social fish that should be kept in pairs or in a group consisting of at least five specimens. The ability to keep pairs instead of groups distinguishes this species from most other tetras. If you want to keep several males together, it is important that your aquarium is large enough for each male to claim his own territory. It is also advisable to create natural borders in the aquarium using plants and other forms of aquarium decoration.

    If you keep two male Black phantom tetras together, they will have “mock battles” where they measure each other. The mock battles will however rarely result in actual injury. The males will present themselves in profile and fully extend their dorsal and anal fin. When males have a territory to defend, their dark colouration will become more intense and the dark edging will therefore be very distinct during this display. The mock fights will sometimes end in violence where the males exchange blows and tear each others fins, but the injuries are usually not severe and they will soon be healed.

Tank Size : 10 gallon minimum

Tank Region : Middle to bottom

Diet/Food & Feeding Habits

    Black phantom tetras will accept all foods offered. Use a fine quality flake for the staple diet but give them treats of brine shrimp and white worms to get the best colouration from them.

Compatibility/Tankmates:

    Easy going, males are territorial and defend their space against their neighbors by presenting themselves in profile with the dorsal and anal fins fully extended, and the dark color intensified, making the edging of the body patch stand out prominently

Sexing:

    The male's fins are black, as is the female's dorsal fin; the female's pelvic, anal, and adipose fins are reddish in color.

Breeding

    A breeding tank should be prepared with soft, slightly acidic water. You will also want subdued lighting and plenty of foliage. Subdued lighting is a key element. Not only will it help induce your tetras to breed, but it will insure healthy eggs. Tetra eggs are vulnerable to fungal growth. Fungus flourishes in well lit water.

    All tetras are egg layers and will eat their own eggs. Their eggs sink naturally. A layer of marbles on the substrate will provide adequate shelter for the eggs. Adults should be removed from the breeding tank after spawning. Fry will hatch in about 24 hours. They will not need to be fed until they are free swimming. Young fry can be fed newly hatched shrimp brine, or liquid fry food formulated for egg laying fish.

 Availability:    The Black Phantom Tetra is readily available and is inexpensive for aquarium hobby.

Credit : http://www.aquariumdomain.com/viewSpeciesFreshwater.php?id=117