Red Phantom Tetra | Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
Red Phantom Tetra | Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
Key Specs
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About this item
Red Phantom Tetra
The Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) is a colorful and peaceful schooling fish prized for its deep red to ruby body coloration and distinctive dark shoulder spot. Males often develop brighter coloration and elongated dorsal fins, making them especially attractive in a well-planted aquarium.
Native to the Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela, this species naturally inhabits slow-moving blackwater streams with soft, slightly acidic water and dense vegetation. In the aquarium, Red Phantom Tetras thrive in planted setups with subdued lighting, driftwood, and open swimming areas.
When kept in a group, they display beautiful schooling behavior and subtle interactions between males as they gently display their fins to one another.
Why Aquarists Love Red Phantom Tetras
• Rich red to ruby coloration
• Distinct black shoulder spot
• Peaceful schooling fish perfect for community tanks
• Ideal for planted and blackwater aquariums
Behavior & Compatibility
Red Phantom Tetras are peaceful schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more for natural behavior and best coloration.
Suitable tank mates include:
• Other peaceful tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras catfish
• Dwarf cichlids
• Small gouramis
Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Red Phantom Tetras do best in aquariums that mimic their natural environment.
Recommended aquarium features include:
• Live plants and driftwood
• Subdued lighting
• Gentle water flow
• Open swimming space in the middle of the tank
Diet and Feeding
Red Phantom Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of foods.
Recommended foods include:
• High-quality flakes or micro pellets
• Frozen or live foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp
• Daphnia or other small invertebrates
A varied diet helps enhance coloration and maintain good health.
Recommended Tank Parameters
Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
KH: 2 – 10 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Size Information
Average Adult Size:
1.5 – 2 inches (4 – 5 cm)
Typical Sale Size:
0.75 – 1 inch (2 – 2.5 cm)
Origin
The Red Phantom Tetra originates from Colombia and Venezuela, primarily within tributaries of the Orinoco River basin.
Add vibrant color and peaceful schooling behavior to your aquarium with the Red Phantom Tetra, a beautiful species perfect for planted freshwater community aquariums. 🐟
Reviews
Customers are saying
Customers express satisfaction with this fish's vibrant coloration and healthy arrival condition. The elegant fin structure is frequently praised as a standout feature. Some buyers note that the fish can be a picky eater initially but adjusts well over time. Overall, reviewers recommend this as an excellent centerpiece fish for medium to large aquariums.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
Top Mentions
Beautiful addition to my reef!
The fish arrived in perfect condition. Packaging was triple insulated with heat packs. Acclimation was smooth and it was eating frozen mysis within 2 hours of introduction. AquaEditorial never disappoints.
Great value for the price
Exactly as described. Fast shipping and very well packed.
Good but picky eater
Beautiful specimen, arrived healthy. Takes a while to adjust to new food but eventually started eating pellets. Great addition to my South American cichlid tank.
FAQs
What temperature should I keep the tank at for this fish?
Great question! We recommend maintaining a water temperature of 82–86°F (28–30°C). Discus are tropical fish and thrive in warm, stable water conditions. A reliable heater with a thermostat is essential.
Can I keep this with other fish in a community tank?
Yes! Discus are peaceful and social. They do best with calm tank mates like Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Corydoras Catfish. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish that may stress them.
What size tank do I need for a small group?
We recommend a minimum of 55 gallons for a small group of discus. They need spacious aquariums with open swimming areas, live plants, driftwood, and gentle filtration.
What should I feed them?
Discus are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. We recommend high-quality discus pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart mixes. A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration.
Do you guarantee live arrival?
Absolutely! All live fish are shipped with our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If there are any issues upon delivery, contact us within 2 hours with photos and we'll make it right.
