Megalomphodus roseus (Yellow Phantom Tetra)

Yellow Phantom Tetra Overview The Yellow Phantom Tetra (Megalamphodus roseus) is a beautiful and peaceful dwarf tetra native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon Basin in South America. Growing to only about 3 cm in length, this species is highly prized for its striking coloration, featuring a golden-yellow to rosy body, vivid blood-red caudal (tail) fin, and a prominent black shoulder spot that creates a stunning contrast. Its calm temperament and small size make it an excellent choice for planted aquariums, nano community tanks, and nature-style aquascapes. Scientific Classification Scientific Name: Megalamphodus roseus Common Name: Yellow Phantom Tetra Family: Characidae Origin: Amazon Basin, South America Adult Size: 3–4 cm Lifespan: 3–5 years Name Meaning (Lexicon) Megalamphodus – "with spacious ways"; referring to certain anatomical characteristics. roseus – Latin for "rosy coloured," describing the fish's attractive body coloration. Appearance The Yellow Phantom Tetra displays: Golden-yellow to rosy body coloration. Bright red caudal fin. Large, distinctive black shoulder spot. Transparent to lightly coloured fins. Subtle iridescence under proper lighting. Males are generally slimmer and more intensely coloured than females, especially when displaying or during breeding. Temperament & Behaviour Very peaceful and non-aggressive. Ideal for community aquariums. Shoaling species that feels secure in groups. Most active when kept in larger schools. Enjoys swimming among plants and open water areas. This species displays its best colours and natural behaviour when maintained in a well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting and dark substrate. Minimum Group Size Yellow Phantom Tetras should never be kept singly. Recommended: Minimum: 6 individuals Ideal: 10–20+ individuals Larger groups result in: Better coloration Reduced stress More natural shoaling behaviour Aquarium Requirements Tank Size Minimum: 45 litres Recommended: 60 litres and larger Aquascape They thrive in: Heavily planted aquariums Nature aquariums Blackwater-inspired setups Driftwood and leaf litter environments Provide: Dense planting around the edges Open swimming space in the centre Gentle water movement Water Parameters Parameter Recommended Range Temperature 23–28°C pH 5.5–7.2 GH 1–10 dGH KH 0–6 dKH Ammonia/Nitrite 0 ppm Nitrate Below 20 ppm Soft, slightly acidic water will produce the best colours and breeding results. Diet & Feeding Yellow Phantom Tetras are omnivorous micro-predators. Suitable Foods Dry Foods High-quality micro pellets Crushed flakes Frozen Foods Cyclops Daphnia Baby brine shrimp Bloodworms (occasionally) Live Foods Artemia Microworms Daphnia A varied diet enhances coloration, health, and breeding success. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Tank Mates Suitable companions include: Other small tetras Rasboras Pencilfish Corydoras Otocinclus Small peaceful dwarf cichlids Shrimp (larger species) Avoid: Large aggressive fish Fin nippers Predatory species Breeding Difficulty Moderate Breeding Method Egg scatterer Breeding Setup Soft, acidic water Temperature: 26–28°C Dim lighting Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops Spawning Behaviour The male courts the female among plants. Eggs are scattered and receive no parental care. After Spawning Remove adults after spawning. Eggs hatch within 24–36 hours. Fry become free-swimming after 3–4 days. Fry Foods Infusoria Liquid fry food Microworms Newly hatched brine shrimp Maintaining excellent water quality is essential for successful fry rearing. Care Level Easy to Moderate This species is suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists who can provide stable water conditions and a peaceful community environment.