Red Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi)
| Red Phantom Tetra Hyphessobrycon sweglesi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Red Phantom Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hyphessobrycon sweglesi |
| Synonym | Megalamphodus sweglesi |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-4 cm |
| Temperature | 20-23 °C |
| Hardness | 1-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-1.6" |
| Temperature | 68-74 °F |
| Hardness | 18-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the red phantom tetra is the inlet of the Rio Orinoco in Colombia. They live in the slow flowing tributaries and streams of the rainforests with dense riparian vegetation and tree roots and branches protruding into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. Soft, slightly acidic water, a dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed mainly on small insects, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, moina, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful and calm schooling fish that can be kept with other peaceful, not too lively fish as well as shrimp in a community tank. They should be kept in a group of at least 5-10 fish.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male has an elongated, solid red dorsal fin, in the female it is multicolored (red/black/white).
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners. In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn between fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after 24-36 hours and swim freely from the 5th day. The parents do not engage in brood care and should be separated from the fry after spawning, as they are spawn predators.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Red phantom tetras do not require much heat. The water temperature should not exceed 23 °C in the long term
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH value and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF