This is one of the most intriguing tropical fish because of its ability to change color.  The Black Phantom Tetra originally came from Brazil and Bolivia.  It has a transparent silver gray body with a black spot behind its gills.  The pelvic, anal, and adipose fins are tipped in reddish color, especially for the female.  The Black Phantom Tetra is very similar to the Red Phantom.  It is not the same as the Black Skirt Tetra.  The Black Phantom is a very timid fish and likes hiding places in the mid levels of an aquarium.  

Males will turn almost completely black on a regular basis.  This can occur throughout the day, but is more common in the evening.  It is usually associated with defending a territory against another male.  The males intertwine and tilt their bodies toward each other in a display reminiscent of spawning.  Black Phantoms should be kept in schools of 6 to 10.  A single Black Phantom kept in a tank will lose its distinctive coloring. They will eat food flakes, spirulina, freeze-dried bloodworms and live foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. A healthy diet is essential in bringing out full coloring.

Black Phantom Tetras spawn among plants and hundreds of eggs will attach to the plants.  Soft water is essential and the parents should be removed after spawning.  The fry should be fed brine shrimp.