Description
Remarks: Red phantom tetras (Megalamphodus sweglesi) are a small tetra from small tributaries and flooded forests in the Amazon. Their red bodies and fins with a black spot in the middle of their sides allows them to hide in plain sight in these areas due to the tannin stained water being reddish-brown in color. Males have slightly longer fins than females and tend to have a more intense red coloration. They work well in large groups, as they will be shy if kept with fewer than 6 individuals.
The scientific name for the red phantom tetra used to be Hyphessobrycon sweglesi. However, it was reclassified as Megalamphodus sweglesi after the completion of an intensive phylogenic study on species in the family Characidae. Many other species were reclassified as well as a result of this study which can be read here:
The following article also provides a good breakdown of the results of the study and does not have a paywall:
