Red Phantom Tetra (Megalamphodus sweglesi) is a small, peaceful tetra whose red body and dark shoulder mark stand out beautifully in a planted aquarium.
Appearance and natural habitat
In a settled group the fish spend much of their time together in midwater, with short displays and changes of position giving the aquarium constant movement. Keeping enough of their own kind improves confidence, colour and natural social behaviour.
In the wild, this fish comes from the upper and middle Orinoco basin in Colombia and Venezuela. It is associated with minor tributaries, oxbows and flooded forest with wood, leaf litter and shaded water. Matching some of that shelter and maintaining stable water helps the fish settle; use the species-appropriate conditions shown below.
Red Phantom Tetra care
- Adult size: up to 3.5 cm
- Temperature: 20-28°C
- pH: 4.5-7.5
- Temperament: Peaceful community fish
- Group: At least 8
- Care level: Easy
Aquarium setup
Use plants, wood and a darker substrate with shaded resting places and open water at the front. A mature aquarium and regular water changes keep the group in best condition.
Use an established filter and introduce the fish only after the aquarium is fully cycled. Regular partial water changes and steady conditions are safer than sudden attempts to adjust pH or hardness.
Feeding and tank mates
Feeding: Feed quality fine dry foods with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp.
Compatibility: Males may display to one another without causing serious harm. A mixed group gives more natural behaviour and stronger colour.
Watch the group at feeding time to make sure every fish gets food, particularly when they share the aquarium with faster species. A varied diet, clean water and suitable companions are the best route to strong colour and long-term health.


Reviews
There are no reviews yet.