Fish comparison
Black Phantom Tetra vs Ember Tetra
How the Black Phantom Tetra and Ember Tetra compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Black Phantom Tetra vs Ember Tetra
The Black Phantom Tetra and the Ember 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 23 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7, so a single tank can suit either one. The Black Phantom Tetra is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Ember Tetra rewards a bit more attention. If tank space is tight, the Ember 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 Phantom Tetra22–28 °C
- Ember Tetra23–29 °C
pH
- Black Phantom Tetra5.5–7.5
- Ember Tetra5.5–7
Hardness
- Black Phantom Tetra2–15 dGH
- Ember Tetra1–10 dGH
What to plan for
- 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.
- Ember Tetra schools, stock at least 8You've planned for 1 ember tetra. Ember 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.
- 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 Phantom TetraHyphessobrycon megalopterus |  FishEmber TetraHyphessobrycon amandae |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Bolivia, Brazil (Mato Grosso), Paraguay | Rio das Mortes basin, Brazil |
| Family | Characidae | Characidae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 23–29 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 1–10 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low |
| Min tank | 75 L | 40 L |
| Adult size | 4–5 cm | 2 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 4–5 yrs | 2–4 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Water column | Mid | Mid |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Mostly (may eat shrimplets) | Yes (adults safe with adult shrimp) |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Black Phantom Tetra and Ember Tetra together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 23 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7, 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 Phantom Tetra or the Ember Tetra?
The Black Phantom Tetra is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Ember Tetra leans beginner-friendly.
Do Black Phantom Tetra and Ember Tetra need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 23 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7 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 Phantom Tetra and the Ember Tetra?
Space. The Black Phantom Tetra wants about 75 litres minimum and the Ember Tetra around 40, so tank size can settle it.