Red Phantom Tetra

The red phantom tetra is recognized by its semi-transparent orange-red body and the black spot behind the gill cover. In build it resembles the black phantom tetra, but its whole body and fins are red-toned. It is commonly found in stores; the fish sold today are mostly farm-bred.

It is a calm, compatible and easy-care species. Its colors deepen noticeably in a mature, planted aquarium and under dim light; it prefers moderately warm water to very warm water.

It lives in slow-flowing tributaries full of plants and leaf litter in the Meta River system, part of the Orinoco basin in Colombia. These waters are soft, acidic and darkly stained by tannins.

• Volume: at least 60 liters for a school of 8–12.
• Water: 22–25°C is ideal; pH 5.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
• Decor: dark substrate, roots, leaf litter and floating plants. Planted edges provide hiding places.
• Maintenance: a 20–25% water change every week; gentle flow.

Omnivorous. Make small granules and flakes the staple and vary it with frozen brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia and bloodworms. Foods containing carotenoids support the red color. Feed small amounts 1–2 times a day.

Peaceful and somewhat shy. As in black phantoms, males put on harmless displays to each other by spreading their fins. It does not bother other species and leaves adult shrimp alone.

Good companions: small, peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf cichlids, shrimp.

Avoid: large, predatory fish, active fin-nipping species, aggressive fish that chase constantly.

A group of at least 8, ideally 12 is recommended. In a larger group the fish become bolder and are seen more in the open. The sex ratio does not matter; having several males brings out the display behavior.

It is an egg scatterer with no parental care. Breeding requires a separate tank with soft, acidic water (around pH 6), dim light and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop. The parents are removed after spawning. The fry are small; in the first days they are given infusoria or liquid fry food, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

• Water quality: nitrate buildup and an immature aquarium are the most common sources of problems.
• White spot (ich): common after transport; quarantine is recommended.
• Sudden changes: it is sensitive to rapid changes in pH and hardness; make water changes gradually.

Males have a longer, red dorsal fin, and their fins are generally larger. Females have a short dorsal fin with a dark area and a light-colored tip; their bodies are plumper.