These fish also thrive in water with a pH of 5.5–7.5, and the tank water should stay between 72–78℉. Red phantom tetras prefer a large tank that is at least 24 inches long. The habitat of appropriate tetra-friendly fish tanks includes plants and other animals that are appropriate to keep as companions to your red tetra collection. So closely copy the water conditions of the waters of the upper Amazon River in your aquarium. The watercourse of the Amazon River is home to fields of aquatic grasses or floating meadows, water lilies such as the Victoria amazonica, giant floating lily, and lianas. It is plant-rich, and the decaying plant matter contributes to the unique environment that the tetras thrive in. The Amazon River is a blackwater environment with a slightly acidic pH. They accept any food you provide them, for better coloration, provide them with high protein diet, such as brine shrimps, mosquito’s larva, bloodworm. They require tank size of at least 10-Gallons.

The conditions you keep your red phantom tetras in should mimic their natural environment. Neon tetra is a schooling fish, so you need to keep at least 6 of them to move in a group. You should replace carbon in the water filter after copper-based treatments. Add antibiotics and copper-based treatments to the tank water to alleviate the parasitic load and give the fish a chance at recovery. Parasitic diseases - commonly called “Ich”.Fungal diseases - like Ichthyosporidium require antibiotics and antifungal medications can be obtained from an aquatic vet.Remove the affected fish, place them in a quarantine tank and administer medication. These conditions need to be treated with antibiotics. Bacterial infections - such as red pest, columnaris, and tail and fin rot.In the wild, tetras will reach their expected average size, but tetras may be smaller in captivity due to living in confined aquariums. Female red phantom tetras are wider than males, and males are also bright and colorful, whereas females have a dull coloration. Adult Size & LifespanĪdult red phantom tetras can grow up to 1.5 inches long. You will notice males bumping into females to show that they are ready to mate. Red phantom tetras can be bred in captivity. The Amazon River is highly vegetated and thriving with wildlife. This fish is found in the Amazon River’s tributaries and ponds and in the Orinoco tributary of the Amazon River. The red phantom tetra ( Hyphessobrycon sweglesi) is originally from South America.

Advertisements Category Rating Care Level Moderate Temperament Docile, but an opportunistic omnivore Color Bronze body with red-tipped fins Lifespan ~5 years Size ~1.5 inches Diet Omnivore Family Characidae Scientific Name Hyphessobrycon sweglesi Minimum Tank Size >14 gallons Tank Setup Freshwater, plants, caves Compatibility Peaceful, shoaling species Distribution

Tetra fish tank