Black phantom tetra tank mates
A 3.5 cm deep-bodied tetra in black or red morph. Males spread fins in display in competition. A school of eight or more produces constant passive display behaviour.
Lists below are built from this species record (safest, best with, risky, unsafe) — each link opens a pair-level check, not a guarantee.
Best tank mates (on file)
Merged from conservative safest and best with fields — de-duplicated by species.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Chili Rasbora as a safe tank mate. Chili Rasbora schools in groups of 8 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Corydoras Catfish as a recommended pairing. Corydoras Catfish schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Dwarf Gourami as a recommended pairing. Dwarf Gourami grows bigger than Black phantom tetra (8cm vs 3.5cm). Stock the Black phantom tetra group large enough to outnumber the Dwarf Gourami, or the smaller fish ends up bullied or off food.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Ember Tetra as both safe and a recommended pairing. Ember Tetra schools in groups of 8 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Glowlight Tetra as a safe tank mate. Glowlight Tetra schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Harlequin Rasbora as a recommended pairing. Harlequin Rasbora schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Neon Tetra as a recommended pairing. Neon Tetra schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Black phantom tetra profile lists Panda Corydoras as a safe tank mate. Panda Corydoras schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
Risky or situational
From risky tank mates and broad avoid with (excluding “unsafe” below). May work with species-only setups, more water, or mature systems — read the pair page.
Tiger Barb is flagged as a fin-nipper and Black phantom tetra carries the long-finned risk profile (veil tails, trailing fins). Expect torn fins within days unless the nipper is in a proper group and the long-finned fish has plenty of cover. Tiger Barb is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Black phantom tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Yoyo Loach is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Black phantom tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Kribensis is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Black phantom tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Jack Dempsey reaches 25cm and is flagged predatory or as likely to eat small fish. Adult-size Black phantom tetra at 3.5cm is inside that gape range. Jack Dempsey is rated aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Black phantom tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Pea Puffer is flagged as a fin-nipper and Black phantom tetra carries the long-finned risk profile (veil tails, trailing fins). Expect torn fins within days unless the nipper is in a proper group and the long-finned fish has plenty of cover. Pea Puffer is flagged predatory. Equal-size adults usually coexist, but the moment one is stressed, sick, or smaller after a moult, it becomes prey. Pea Puffer is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Black phantom tetra. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Fish to avoid with Black phantom tetra
From the unsafe list — predation, aggression, or space rules on this profile.
Oscar reaches 35cm and is flagged predatory. Black phantom tetra at 3.5cm is prey-sized for it. Oscar needs at least 300L, far above the 80L minimum for Black phantom tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Oscar is rated aggressive and Black phantom tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
African Cichlid reaches 15cm and is flagged predatory. Black phantom tetra at 3.5cm is prey-sized for it. African Cichlid needs at least 200L, far above the 80L minimum for Black phantom tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. African Cichlid is rated aggressive and Black phantom tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Green Terror reaches 30cm and is flagged predatory. Black phantom tetra at 3.5cm is prey-sized for it. Green Terror needs at least 300L, far above the 80L minimum for Black phantom tetra. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Green Terror is rated aggressive and Black phantom tetra is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Tank size and groups
- Published minimum for Black phantom tetra: 80L — group minimum 6 (schooling).
- Compatibility changes when the tank is too short for turning, too little for a real school, or too warm for one species and not the other — that is why pair checks include tank context, not only temperament.
- Nearest litre hub to this minimum: 80L hub.
Plan before you buy
Pair checks for every mix, then multi-species stocking in the builder.
Filtration & heating
A 80L minimum tank for Black phantom tetra needs a filter rated for at least 320L/hr turnover and a heater maintaining 22–28°C.
Similar fish (same category)
- Columbian Tetra — min 80L
- Penguin tetra — min 80L
- Rosy Tetra — min 80L
- Rummy Nose Tetra — min 80L
- Splash tetra — min 80L
- Beckford Pencilfish — min 60L
- Black Neon Tetra — min 60L
- Bloodfin tetra — min 60L