Page 98 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

96 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Black Phantom Tetra

ORIGINS South America, where it occurs in areas of
central Brazil and Bolivia.
SIZE 2 in (5 cm).
DIET Prepared foods and small live foods.
WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Social and nonaggressive.
A black blotch behind the gills is a characteristic
of these tetras, as is the relatively transparent
body—hence the “phantom” of their common
name. They look elegant in a shoal, thanks in part
to the tall dorsal fin, which is more prominent in
males. Include floating plants in
their tank to mimic their
natural habitat. Commercial
breeding has made Black
Phantom Tetras more
tolerant in terms of their water
chemistry needs, but soft, acidic
conditions will give the best chance of
spawning success. The eggs are scattered
at random, after which the adults must
be removed from the spawning tank so that they
do not devour them. It takes about five days before
the young are free-swimming, at which stage they
should be offered a suitable fry food.

Hyphessobrycon sweglesi Hemigrammus pulcher Hemigrammus ocellifer
Swegles’s Tetra Garnet Tetra Head-and-Taillight Tetra

ORIGINS Northern South America, occurring in the ORIGINS Northern South America, found in the Peruvian ORIGINS Northern South America, occurring in the
upper Amazon and Orinoco basins. part of the Amazon River. Amazon region, eastward as far as French Guiana.
SIZE 1 ⁄2 in (4 cm). SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 2 in (5 cm).
1
DIET Prepared foods and small live foods. DIET Prepared foods and small live foods. DIET Prepared foods and small live foods.
WATER Temperature 68–73°F (20–23°C); soft WATER Temperature 73–81°F (23–27°C); soft WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.5). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0).
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social.
Swegles’s Tetras are very sensitive to water Red top This tetra’s rather plain body is enhanced by a red,
chemistry, and their impressive red coloration will Clear dorsal fin on the iris beaconlike area on the upper eye. There is also a
be seen clearly only under ideal conditions. They yellow area with a golden spot and a black blotch
need frequent water changes and a relatively low around the caudal peduncle. The subspecies shown
water temperature if they are to thrive and spawn here (H. O. falsus) has a black line on the tail,
in the aquarium. A dark substrate in the spawning which is missing in other forms. A female
tank is necessary to protect their eggs from light. in spawning condition lays around 300 eggs,
The female can be distinguished from the male by among fine-leaved aquatic vegetation, two days
the white tip on the dorsal fin. after a pair is moved to the breeding tank.
Black area
Silvery coloration
The pale-lemon background color of the Garnet
Tetra contrasts with the black area on the flanks,
which extends to the caudal peduncle. The body
appears iridescent under subdued lighting. This fish
can be sexed by the swim bladder, which is visible
through the semitransparent body: it is pointed in
males and rounded in females. Compatibility can
be a problem when attempting to breed these fish.

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