Fish comparison
Black Neon Tetra vs Black Phantom Tetra
How the Black Neon Tetra and Black Phantom Tetra compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Black Neon Tetra vs Black Phantom Tetra
The Black Neon Tetra and the Black Phantom Tetra are close cousins, both in the Hyphessobrycon group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. If tank space is tight, the Black Neon Tetra needs less room to feel settled; give the Black Phantom Tetra the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
4 notes
Temperature
- Black Neon Tetra22–28 °C
- Black Phantom Tetra22–28 °C
pH
- Black Neon Tetra5.5–7.5
- Black Phantom Tetra5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Black Neon Tetra2–12 dGH
- Black Phantom Tetra2–15 dGH
What to plan for
- Black Neon Tetra schools, stock at least 8You've planned for 1 black neon tetra. Black Neon Tetra need a group of at least 8 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Black Phantom Tetra schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 black phantom tetra. Black Phantom Tetra need a group of at least 6 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- No bottom teamNo bottom-dwelling fish or shrimp. A small group of corydoras or a shrimp colony picks up leftover food and keeps detritus in check.
- 100% of your fish swim in the midHeavy concentration in a single zone. Spreading stocking across all three levels makes the tank read fuller for the same bioload.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishBlack Neon TetraHyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi |  FishBlack Phantom TetraHyphessobrycon megalopterus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Paraguay River basin, Brazil | Bolivia, Brazil (Mato Grosso), Paraguay |
| Family | Characidae | Characidae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Min tank | 60 L | 75 L |
| Adult size | 3–4 cm | 4–5 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 5 yrs | 4–5 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Water column | Mid | Mid |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Mostly (may eat shrimplets) | Mostly (may eat shrimplets) |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Black Neon Tetra and Black Phantom Tetra together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Black Neon Tetra or the Black Phantom Tetra?
They sit at the same care level, both very easy, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Black Neon Tetra and Black Phantom Tetra need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Black Neon Tetra and the Black Phantom Tetra?
Space. The Black Neon Tetra wants about 60 litres minimum and the Black Phantom Tetra around 75, so tank size can settle it.