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Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae, commonly known as the Black Phantom Tetra, is a small, characin fish native to South America. Despite its common name 'Tetra Fantasma Branco' (White Phantom Tetra) in some regions, the typical wild form exhibits a grayish body with a distinct black spot behind the gill plate and often a black dorsal fin. The 'White Phantom Tetra' designation usually refers to a selectively bred albino or leucistic variant, which lacks the characteristic black pigmentation. This species is known for its schooling behavior and relatively peaceful disposition, making it a popular choice for community aquariums.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- compressed
- Coloração
- Wild type: Silvery-gray body, often with a subtle iridescent sheen. A prominent, vertically elongated black humeral spot (behind the gill plate) is characteristic. Dorsal fin is typically black, especially in males, with a white tip. Anal fin may have a black margin. Caudal fin is usually clear or slightly dusky. 'White Phantom Tetra' variants are leucistic or albino, appearing pale white or yellowish, often with red eyes in albino forms, and may lack the distinct black humeral spot or have a very faded one.
- Tipo de escama
- cycloid
- Posição da boca
- terminal
- Características distintivas
- Prominent black humeral spot (in wild type), Black dorsal fin with white tip (in wild type, especially males), Laterally compressed body, Adipose fin present
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Single, typically black with a white tip in males, positioned mid-body.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Forked, clear to slightly dusky.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Paired, clear, positioned ventrally.
- Nadadeiras características
- Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins.
Dicas de identificação
Humeral Spot
Look for the distinct, vertically elongated black spot located just behind the gill cover. This is a key identifier for the wild type.
Dorsal Fin Coloration
In males, the dorsal fin is typically black with a prominent white tip, which is a good distinguishing feature.
Body Shape
Its laterally compressed, somewhat deep body shape is characteristic of many Moenkhausia species.
Schooling Behavior
Observing its schooling behavior can help confirm identification in a group setting.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- freshwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, often near submerged vegetation or roots.
- Ambiente
- Slow-moving rivers, streams, tributaries, and floodplains. Prefers areas with dense aquatic vegetation, leaf litter, and submerged roots, providing cover and foraging opportunities. Water is often clear to blackwater, with soft, acidic conditions.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Native to South America, primarily found in the Guaporé and Paraguay River basins, encompassing parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: beginner
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Alimentação: omnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 60 liters (15 gallons)
- Temperatura: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- Nível de pH: 5.5-7.5
- Dureza da água: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibilidade: Excellent for community tanks with other peaceful, similarly sized fish. Avoid housing with fin-nipping species or very large, aggressive fish.
- Requisitos especiais: Prefers a well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas. Benefits from subdued lighting and a dark substrate to enhance coloration. Should be kept in schools of at least 6-10 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season in their natural habitat, when water levels are higher and food is more abundant.
- Preço de mercado: Low to medium
- Importância comercial: medium
- Sabor: Not typically consumed due to small size.
- Textura: Not typically consumed due to small size.
- Valor nutricional: Not typically consumed due to small size.
Fatos principais
Ghostly Appearanceinteresting
The 'Phantom' in its name refers to its somewhat translucent body and the way it seems to 'disappear' and reappear in planted tanks, especially the 'White Phantom' variant.
Sexual Dimorphismbehavior
Males are typically more slender and possess a more intensely black dorsal fin with a prominent white tip. Females are generally rounder, especially when gravid, and their dorsal fin coloration is less pronounced.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Black Phantom Tetras are obligate schooling fish. Keeping them in groups of 6 or more is crucial for their well-being, as it reduces stress and allows them to exhibit natural social behaviors, including fascinating 'mock fights' between males.
Habitat Mimicryevolution
In their natural habitat, the dark coloration of the dorsal fin and the humeral spot likely serve as camouflage among submerged vegetation and leaf litter, breaking up their outline.
Informações de segurança
Seguro- Nível de segurança: safe
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: not recommended
- Observações de manuseio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish care. They are not venomous and do not possess sharp spines that pose a significant threat. Handle gently with a net to avoid damaging fins or scales.
Espécies similares
Red Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon sweglesi
The Red Phantom Tetra has a reddish body coloration and a black humeral spot, but its dorsal fin is typically red or orange, not black with a white tip like M. sanctaefilomenae. Also, the body shape can be slightly different.
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
While also having a black humeral spot and a generally dark appearance, the Black Skirt Tetra has a much deeper, more disc-shaped body and a very large, flowing anal fin, which is distinctly different from M. sanctaefilomenae.
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Serpae Tetras are reddish-orange with a black humeral spot, but they lack the black and white tipped dorsal fin of the Black Phantom Tetra. Their body shape is also typically more robust.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Characiformes
- Família
- Characidae
- Gênero
- Moenkhausia
- Espécie
- sanctaefilomenae
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