Red Phantom Tetra Care

Overview

The Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglei) is a freshwater fish native to South America. It is a member of the Characidae family and is closely related to the Neon Tetra. The Red Phantom Tetra is a popular aquarium fish and is often kept by fishkeepers.

The Red Phantom Tetra is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 cm (1 in). It is a brightly colored fish, with a red body and blue-green stripes on the sides. The Red Phantom Tetra is a peaceful fish and is often kept in community aquariums. It is an easy fish to care for and is a good choice for beginner fishkeepers.

The Red Phantom Tetra is a omnivorous fish and will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods. The Red Phantom Tetra is a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 fish. The Red Phantom Tetra is a hardy fish and is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions.

The Red Phantom Tetra is a popular aquarium fish and is often kept by fishkeepers. It is a small, brightly colored fish that is easy to care for. The Red Phantom Tetra is a peaceful fish that is perfect for community aquariums.

Red Phantom Tetra fishes in beautiful planted aquarium

Red Phantom Care Tips In Brief

Red phantom tetras are a peaceful, hardy species that make a great addition to any community aquarium.
They are relatively easy to care for, and will thrive in a well-maintained tank with plenty of hiding places. These fish are known for their striking red coloration, and make a beautiful addition to any aquarium.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a Red Phantom Tetra in captivity is typically 5 to 7 years, though some have been known to live up to 10 years with proper care. In the wild, their lifespan is likely shorter due to predation and other factors. Red Phantom Tetras are relatively easy to care for, so as long as their basic needs are met, they can live a long and healthy life.

Size

The Red Phantom Tetra is a small freshwater fish that typically grows to be only about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. This makes them one of the smaller species of tetra fish. They are a peaceful community fish that can do well in a tank with other small fish. They are active swimmers and do best in a tank with plenty of hiding places and plants.

Appearance & Behavior

The Red Phantom Tetra is a peaceful fish that is well suited for community tanks. They are a hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. They are a shy fish and prefer to stay in the middle to bottom of the tank.

They are a slow swimmer and prefer to stay in schools. When they are first introduced to a tank, they may be shy and hide a lot. However, they will eventually become more comfortable and become more active.

The Red Phantom Tetra is a small fish that only grows to be about 2 inches long. They have a long, slender body with a red hue. Their fins are red and they have a white stripe that runs along their sides.

Their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and worms. They are a peaceful fish that is not known to bother other fish in the tank. They are a good choice for beginner fishkeepers.

Tank Setup

The Red Phantom Tetra is a peaceful community fish that does well in a planted aquarium with other small, peaceful fish. They are best kept in groups of 6 or more, and do well in tanks of 10 gallons or more.

When setting up a tank for Red Phantom Tetras, be sure to include plenty of hiding places and places to swim. They prefer soft, acidic water, and will do best in a well-filtered tank with moderate water flow. A sandy substrate is best, as they like to dig and bury themselves.

Plants that provide cover and hiding places are a good choice for a Red Phantom Tetra tank. They are not particular about plants, but do well with Java Fern, Anubias, and cryptocorynes. Be sure to leave plenty of open swimming space in the tank.

Red Phantom Tetras are not fussy eaters, and will do well on a diet of small live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods. Be sure to feed them a variety of foods to keep them healthy.

Water Parameters

Water parameters are important factors to consider when keeping red phantom tetras. These fish are native to South America and prefer warm, slightly acidic water. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving streams and rivers with plenty of vegetation.

In the aquarium, red phantom tetras should be kept in a similar environment. A tank size of at least 20 gallons is recommended, with plenty of hiding places and plants. The water should be kept at a temperature of 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.0-7.5.

Red phantom tetras are relatively easy to care for, but it is important to maintain proper water parameters. Regular water changes and careful monitoring of the tank will help to ensure a happy and healthy fish.

Substrate

The substrate is the material used to line the bottom of the aquarium. It can be anything from sand to gravel to rocks. The substrate can also be live, meaning it contains living organisms that help keep the water clean.

The substrate is important because it provides a place for the roots of plants to anchor, and it can also help to control the pH of the water. It is also important for the health of the fish, as it provides a place for them to hide and forage.

There are many different types of substrates available, and the best one to use will depend on the type of fish you are keeping. For example, if you are keeping cichlids, you will want to use a substrate that is high in calcium, such as crushed coral.

When choosing a substrate, it is important to consider the size of the aquarium, the type of fish you are keeping, and your budget.

Planting and decoration

Plants are a necessary part of the Red Phantom Tetra’s habitat. They provide cover and hiding places, as well as oxygenate the water. When choosing plants, be sure to select species that are compatible with the Red Phantom Tetra’s water requirements.

Live plants are the best option, as they will provide the most benefits to the Red Phantom Tetra. Artificial plants can be used, but they will not provide the same level of benefits.

When decorating the tank, be sure to leave plenty of open space for the Red Phantom Tetra to swim. They are an active species and need room to move. Rocks, driftwood, and other decorations can be used to create hiding places and add visual interest to the tank.

Tank Mates

Red phantom tetras are peaceful fish that do well in a community tank. They are compatible with other small to medium-sized fish that are peaceful in nature. Some good tank mates for red phantom tetras include:

Guppies
Platies
Mollies
Swordtails
Danios
Rasboras
Barbs

Red phantom tetras are also compatible with shrimp and other invertebrates.

Diet and Feeding

Red phantom tetras are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed on small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In captivity, they should be fed a variety of foods including live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods, as well as high-quality flake or pellet foods.

Live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia are excellent choices and will help to keep your tetras healthy and active. Frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, krill, and plankton are also good choices and can be found at most pet stores. Freeze-dried foods are a good option as well, but should be offered sparingly as they are high in protein and can cause digestive problems if fed too often.

Flake and pellet foods can be offered daily, but should be supplemented with live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods several times a week. Be sure to choose a high-quality food that contains all the nutrients your tetras need.

When feeding your tetras, always offer more food than they can eat in a few minutes. Remove any uneaten food after a few minutes to avoid water pollution.

Red Phantom: Interesting Facts & Stats

The Red Phantom Tetra is a peaceful, hardy fish that makes a great addition to any community aquarium.
They are native to the rivers and streams of South America.
Red Phantom Tetras are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods.
These fish are relatively easy to care for and make a great choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
Red Phantom Tetras typically reach a maximum size of 2-3 inches.
The Red Phantom Tetra is not sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females look alike.
These fish are known to breed in captivity, but it can be difficult to raise the fry to adulthood.

Potential Diseases

Although the red phantom tetra is a relatively hardy fish, it is still susceptible to a number of diseases. Some of the most common include:

* Ich: Ich, or white spot disease, is one of the most common diseases in aquarium fish. It is caused by a parasitic protozoan and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include white spots on the fish’s body, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

* Fin rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that can cause the fins and tail to rot away. It is often fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and blackening of the fins and tail.

* Swim bladder disease: Swim bladder disease is a condition that affects the swim bladder, a gas-filled sac that helps the fish stay buoyant. It can be caused by a number of things, including infection, injury, or genetics. Symptoms include buoyancy problems, difficulty swimming, and bloating.

If you suspect your fish may be sick, it is important to consult a qualified veterinarian or fish health expert as soon as possible.

Breeding & Mating:

Red Phantom Tetras are a relatively easy species to breed in the home aquarium. They are egg-layers and will scatter their eggs among plants or other objects in the tank. A spawning mop or piece of fine-leaved plants such as Java moss can be used to catch the eggs.

The water should be soft and slightly acidic with a temperature between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank should be well-planted with hiding places for the adults and fry.

To induce spawning, a group of 5-6 fish should be conditioned with live foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. The adults will usually spawn in the morning hours.

The eggs will hatch in 24-36 hours and the fry will be free-swimming a few days later. They can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or other small live foods.

Sexual Dimorphism

As with many fish species, male and female red phantom tetras can be distinguished by their physical appearance. The males are typically larger and more colorful than the females, with more pronounced fins. The females are usually a duller color and have shorter fins. In some cases, the difference in color between the sexes can be quite striking.

Males and females also differ in their behavior. The males are more aggressive and territorial, while the females are more passive.

When spawning, the male will chase the female and nudge her belly with his nose in order to release her eggs. The female will then lay her eggs on plants or other surfaces in the aquarium. After spawning, the male will guard the eggs until they hatch.

FAQ

Is A Red Phantom Fish Aggressive?

No, the Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus) is not an aggressive fish. It is a peaceful community fish that does well in a community aquarium with other peaceful fish.

How Long Does The Red Phantom Fish Species Live?

The Red Phantom Fish species lives for approximately 3 to 4 years.

What Does The Red Phantom Fish Eat?

The Red Phantom Fish is a peaceful community aquarium fish that does best in a planted aquarium. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods.

How many Red Phantom Tetras should be kept together?

A group of 4-6 Red Phantom Tetras is a good number to keep together.

How big do Red Phantom Tetras get?

Red phantom tetras grow to an average size of 2.5 inches (6.4 cm), with some individuals reaching up to 3 inches (7.6 cm). They are a relatively small fish, making them a good choice for aquariums of all sizes.

Are Red Phantom Tetra aggressive?

No, red phantom tetra are not an aggressive fish. They are a peaceful community fish that does well in a tank with other similar sized fish.

Will Red Phantom Tetras eat shrimp?

No, red phantom tetras will not eat shrimp. They are a peaceful fish that are not known to eat other fish or invertebrates.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance fish to add to your aquarium, the red phantom tetra is a great choice. These little fish are hardy and easy to care for, and they make a stunning addition to any freshwater tank.

Just be sure to do your research before adding them to your home, as they can be aggressive towards other fish and require a bit more care than some of the other tetra species.