Black Phantom Tetra | Adult | 3-4 cm | Pack of 6 | Total Delivered Price ₹997/-

Black Phantom Tetra (Megalamphodus megalopterus)

Description

The Black Phantom Tetra (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus), offered by Nero Labs, is a selectively maintained ornamental characin recognized for its translucent silver-grey body, prominent dark humeral blotch, and elongated finnage in mature males. Native to slow-moving blackwater tributaries of South America, this species exhibits calm schooling behaviour and strong visual contrast under stable, low-stress conditions.

Body coloration ranges from pale silver to smoky grey with blackened fins and a clearly defined shoulder marking. Mature males develop extended dorsal and anal fins with darker pigmentation, while females remain fuller-bodied with shorter finnage. Behaviour is generally peaceful, with subtle display interactions between males that rarely escalate under proper group structure. Colour clarity and fin extension improve with maturity, water stability, and subdued lighting.

Individuals supplied are lab-reared and system-acclimated within controlled, closed-system environments, reducing early-life stress and supporting reliable long-term adaptation to established aquaria. This lineage represents domesticated ornamental stock maintained for predictable appearance and aquarium suitability rather than wild ecological performance or conservation application.

System & Rearing Notes

Origin: In-house, Nero Labs
Rearing environment: Controlled, closed system
Line status: Selectively maintained ornamental characin lineage
Behaviour: Peaceful, schooling; mild male display behaviour
Feeding behaviour: Omnivorous; readily accepts prepared and supplemental feeds
Sexual dimorphism: Pronounced in mature individuals
Colour development: Stable; enhanced in low-light, low-stress environments

Minor variation in body translucency, fin length, and blotch intensity may occur between individuals and reflects normal biological diversity within maintained ornamental populations.

Availability & Use

Availability of Black Phantom Tetras is cycle-dependent and aligned with biological readiness and population stability rather than commercial inventory targets. This species is suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists capable of maintaining stable water parameters and appropriate schooling groups.

Best suited for ornamental community aquaria, blackwater-style systems, planted tanks, and mixed-species environments with calm, compatible inhabitants.

Important Note

Black Phantom Tetras require adequate group size to maintain behavioural balance and prevent stress-related fin damage. Excessive lighting or unstable water conditions may reduce colour contrast and fin quality.

Ethical & Operational Context

Distribution of Black Phantom Tetras through Nero Labs prioritizes organism welfare, closed-system integrity, and responsible management of ornamental characins. Proceeds support ongoing refinement of tetra husbandry protocols, behavioural stability research, and applied ornamental aquaculture initiatives.