Red Phantom Tetra Care Guide & Species Profile

Light up your aquarium with the Red Phantom Tetra, a stunning aquarium fish. Known for their calm nature and love for company, these freshwater fish add beauty to any tank. Their small size and bright colors make them a joy to care for, whether you’re new or experienced.

Knowing where they come from and how to care for them is key. These tetras come from South America’s rich waters. They need a tank that feels like home, with calm and rich conditions.

The Red Phantom Tetra can grow up to 1.5 inches long and live for about five years with the right care. They need a tank with the right pH and temperature. Living with peaceful fish helps them thrive, just like in the wild.

Key Takeaways

• The Red Phantom Tetra, a social and colorful freshwater fish, demands moderate care and a well-planted living space.
• These tetras thrive in soft to moderately hard water, with a pH level comfortably nestled between 5.5 and 7.5.
• Aquarists should maintain water temperatures within the scope of 72–78°F and provide a tank that holds at least 14 gallons of water.
• The diet of Red Phantom Tetras should encompass a variety of fine-grained meals, bolstering their health and vibrant colors.
• Companionable tank mates for Red Phantom Tetras include other like-sized, mild-tempered species to ensure a serene community.
• Being mindful of common health issues and symptoms, proactive care, and appropriate treatments is key for their well-being.
• Understanding their natural distribution and preferred tank conditions is essential for both breeders and caretakers.

Introduction to Red Phantom Tetra

The Red Phantom Tetra is a vibrant fish that adds beauty to any freshwater aquarium. It’s known for its bright colors and peaceful nature. This makes it a favorite among fish keepers. Knowing about their biology and habitat is key to caring for them.

Overview of the Species

The Red Phantom Tetra, or Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, is a small but colorful fish. It comes from South America’s diverse waters. These fish grow to 1.5 to 2 inches and have a stunning red body with dark patches.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

Red Phantom Tetras live in the blackwater streams of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers. Their home is filled with plants and soft, acidic water. This environment is essential for their health and behavior.

To keep them happy, aquariums should mimic their natural habitat. This includes keeping the water warm and slightly acidic. This setup helps them show off their vibrant colors and natural behaviors.

Physical Characteristics of Red Phantom Tetra

The Red Phantom Tetra is a small but eye-catching fish for any freshwater tank. It’s known for its bright colors and small size. This fish’s colors and features make it a hit with fish lovers and scientists studying fish colors.

Size and Appearance

Adult Red Phantom Tetras grow to about 1.5 inches long. They have a strong build, with males being slightly taller because of their fancy fins. Their bodies glow with a reddish-bronze color, adding beauty to their home in the water.

Distinctive Color Patterns

Males of this species stand out with a big black spot on their dorsal fin and bright red edges. These colors show more when they’re ready to spawn or show off. Females are a bit duller but share the same colors, creating a softer look against the tank’s background. This difference in color between males and females is interesting to watch and helps scientists study their behavior, like when they breed.

The variety in freshwater fish coloration among Red Phantom Tetras makes them even more appealing. Their bright, lively colors and small size make them a treasure in home aquariums. They show the beauty of nature in water.

Ideal Tank Conditions for Red Phantom Tetra

To create the perfect Red Phantom Tetra tank, balance aquarium water conditions, tank size, and tankmates. This ensures their vibrant colors and health. It also helps them thrive in your home aquarium.

Keeping water conditions right is key for Red Phantom Tetras. The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The temperature should stay between 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). Soft to moderately hard water, between 3-10 dGH, is also important.

Regular checks and adjustments of these factors help avoid stress and diseases. These fish are quite sensitive.

Tank Size and Setup

Red Phantom Tetras do well in tanks of at least 40 liters (10 gallons). But, a bigger tank is even better. A rectangular tank, longer than 24 inches, is best for swimming and natural behavior.

Decor should include dark substrates, driftwood, and leaf litter. These mimic their natural habitat. Live plants add to the filtration, provide shade, and hiding spots. This keeps the tetras comfortable and secure.

Suitable Tank Mates

Choose peaceful tankmates that need similar water conditions. Good choices include other tetras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids, and small catfish like the Corydoras. These fish don’t compete with the Red Phantom Tetras for food or space.

Avoid large, aggressive fish that might bully or stress the tetras. A well-planned tank setup supports the health and beauty of these fish. It also makes your aquarium a stunning display of aquatic life.

Feeding and Dietary Needs

Knowing about Red Phantom Tetra feeding habits, omnivore diet, and aquarium fish nutrition is key. These fish eat small invertebrates and plants in the wild. In your tank, they need a varied diet to stay healthy and colorful.

Recommended Diet

Aquarium fish nutrition should mix plant and protein foods. Good foods for Red Phantom Tetras include:

• Dried foods like flakes and micropellets, made for subtropical fish.
• Live foods like bloodworms and Daphnia, for protein.
• Frozen foods, for a quick protein meal.

Make sure these foods are small enough for the tetras to eat easily. This helps with digestion and feeding.

Feeding Frequency

Feeding Red Phantom Tetras once a day is best. Choose the same time each day for a routine. Feed for 3-5 minutes to ensure they eat all their food.

Remove any leftover food to keep the tank clean. This stops water quality problems and health issues. A balanced diet keeps these fish colorful and lively, making your tank more beautiful.

Common Health Issues and Solutions

To keep your Red Phantom Tetra healthy, you need to watch for signs and treat common aquarium fish diseases. These fish can live up to 5 years with the right care. Look out for stress signs like losing color and acting listless.

Make sure your tank is stable. It should have at least 60 litres of water. The temperature should be between 23°C to 27°C. The pH level should be from 6.0 to 7.5.

Signs of Stress and Illness

Watch your Red Phantom Tetras for stress or illness signs. If young fish don’t grow well or Tetras don’t interact, it might be a problem. In groups of 6-8, they are active and colorful. But, if they act differently, it could mean they have an infection.

Keep the tank clean. Make sure ammonia is 0ppm and nitrate levels are 10-20ppm. This is key for preventive aquaculture.

Preventive Care and Treatments

Preventive steps like quarantining new fish and changing water often are very important. If your fish get sick, you might need to use medicine. Antibiotics fight bacteria, and copper-based treatments can get rid of parasites.

Stick to a routine. Feed them 2-3 times a day with a variety of foods. This helps them stay healthy. By preventing disease and treating stress quickly, you can keep your fish happy and healthy.