
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Megalamphodus sweglesi
A small characin, translucent red with a black humeral spot. Males develop extended dorsal and anal fins while females are deeper-bodied. The depth of red varies, apparently by locality, and the reddest form is traded under its own name.
Megalamphodus sweglesi occurs in the Orinoco basin across Colombia and Venezuela. FishBase records a maximum of 3.2cm SL, pH 5.5-7.5, up to 20 dH and 20-23C, lists a diet of worms, small insects and crustaceans, and advises groups of five or more with a minimum tank length of 60cm. Seriously Fish gives 35mm SL, 20-28C, pH 4.5-7.5, 1-12 dGH and an 80 x 30cm base of about 72 litres. The body is translucent red with a black humeral spot; mature males develop extended dorsal and anal fins while females are deeper-bodied. Two or three colour forms are traded, and the reddest is sold as red or var. rubra. Seriously Fish notes that this red persists in long-term captives, so it is not a dietary artefact, and suspects it reflects the collection locality, with the reddest fish coming from blackwater and the plainer ones from clearwater. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Red Phantom Tetra lives 3-5 years.
The Red Phantom Tetra grows to Up to 3.2cm SL.
The ideal temperature for the Red Phantom Tetra is 20〜28℃.
Origin
South America (Orinoco basin, Colombia and Venezuela)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
Up to 3.2cm SL
Temperature
20〜28℃
Dried, frozen and live foods
Seriously Fish suggests an 80 x 30cm base of about 72 litres and FishBase a minimum length of 60cm. A dark substrate with dense planting and floating plants or driftwood to soften the light deepens the red, and open space lets the males display.
Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 4.5-7.5 and 1-12 dGH, while FishBase records pH 5.5-7.5, up to 20 dH and 20-23C. Its natural water is soft and acidic, and the red shows best in conditions approaching blackwater.
Very peaceful and a good community fish, suiting similarly sized characins, hatchetfish, pencilfish, smaller Corydoras and loricariids, and non-predatory small to medium cichlids. Keep a mixed-sex group of eight to ten or more.
It feeds on worms, small insects and crustaceans. Dried food is taken readily, and frozen bloodworm or Artemia improves both condition and the depth of red. The mouth is small, so choose fine-grained foods.
An egg scatterer with no parental care that spawns often in good condition. For numbers use a dimly lit separate tank with mesh or fine-leaved plants the eggs can fall into and remove the adults afterwards. Males are easy to tell by their extended dorsal and anal fins.
It is farmed commercially in several countries and wild fish are relatively scarce in the trade. The depth of red differs between strains, so look at the actual fish if colour matters. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Red Phantom Tetra is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Red Phantom Tetra is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Red Phantom Tetra typically reaches Up to 3.2cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Red Phantom Tetra feeds on: Dried, frozen and live foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Red Phantom Tetra varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026