Black phantom tetra - Definition

The black phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. It is native to the Paraguay, Guaporé, and Mamore basins in Brazil and Bolivia.

This fish is of roughly tetragonal shape, light grey in coloring, with a black patch, surrounded by iridescent silver edging, posterior of the gills on each side. The male's fins are black, as is the female's dorsal fin; the female's pelvic, anal, and adipose fins are reddish in color. A long-finned variety, apparently developed by captive breeders, is sometimes sold. The black phantom tetra reaches a maximum overall length of approximately 4.5 cm (1.75 in).

The black phantom tetra's natural diet consist of small crustaceans, insects, and worms.

H. herbertaxelrodi is one of the more popular tetras sold in the aquarium trade.

Megalomphodus megalopterus and Megalamphodus rogoaguae are obsolete synonyms for this species.

References

• "Hyphessobrycon megalopterus (http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Hyphessobrycon&speciesname=megalopterus)". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. October 2004 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2004.
• "Hyphessobrycon megalopterus" (TSN 162872) (http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=162872). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. N.p.: Integrated Taxonomic Information System, 2004. Accessed on 17 December 2004.