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

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.