Fun Yellow Phantom Tetra Facts For Kids

The yellow phantom tetra is a small fish that is also known as the Hyphessobrycon roseus. The fish can grow up to a length of about 0.7-3.8 in (1.7-9.6 cm).

The variety of species in the genus varies greatly in its anatomical characteristics but share the same characin body shape. The tetra is a brightly colored fish with distinct black, and rose-red marks on its scales and fins.

The species is generally peaceful. Its diet includes foods like small insects, aquatic crustaceans, algae annelid worms, plants, and zooplankton as they are omnivorous in nature. It is a spawning species that scatters its eggs and does not guard them.

It is to be noted that there are a total of 150 species so far included in this genus but a large number of them are still unresolved with no solid information which is why very little is known about them. 

If you are interested in marine life then here are two more fun species to learn about! Check out wrasse facts and milkfish facts here on Kidadl!

Yellow Phantom Tetra Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a yellow phantom tetra?

The tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus) is a type of fish from the family of Characidae under the marine animal kingdom. 

What class of animal does a yellow phantom tetra belong to?

The tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus) belongs to the Actinopterygii class of marine animals under the genus Hyphessobrycon.

How many yellow phantom tetras are there in the world?

There is no accurate number of the population count of the yellow phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus). However, due to the abundant numbers in its natural habitats, it can be estimated that its population can be anywhere around thousands or more. 

Where does a yellow phantom tetra live?

The yellow phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus) is usually found in rivers, forested areas, drainage systems, tributaries, watersheds, and creeks typically in South America, France, Rio Maroni, and Brazil water bodies.

What is a yellow phantom tetra's habitat?

The yellow phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus) primarily prefers living in forested areas and sluggish tributaries off the important river basins where the water is usually stained brown mixed with other chemicals due to the inclusion of dead and decaying organisms.

The water is usually acidic in nature along with being slow to moderate flowing with thick hanging vegetative plants and a muddy bottom.

Who do yellow phantom tetras live with?

This fish is peaceful and is usually found in large groups or schools. 

How long does a yellow phantom tetra live?

The average life expectancy of a yellow or black phantom tetra is about 5-10 years if all the required survival needs are provided properly to them. 

How do they reproduce?

The yellow phantom tetra is a spawning species which means that it performs egg scattering where there is no parental care present. A healthy adult will spawn quite frequently and release a number of fries without any problem.

Being sexually dimorphic, the females are much bigger and exhibit a less bright color in their bodies. The final pair would usually be of a bigger female Tetra and a bright-colored male.

In some cases, the breeding pair will eat the eggs and they will hatch within 36 hours if not eaten. The young fries will begin swimming after three to four days, and try surviving on small aquatic food until they are large enough to fend for themselves. 

What is their conservation status?

The yellow phantom tetra is still under investigation and its conservation status remains unknown. 

Yellow Phantom Tetra Fun Facts

What do yellow phantom tetras look like?

*We've been unable to source an image of a yellow phantom tetra and have used an image of a diamond tetra instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a yellow phantom tetra, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.*

This tropical fish can usually grow up to 0.7-3.8 in (1.7-9.6 cm), covered in bright scales but distinct hues of bright yellow, black, and rose-red marks on their scales and fins, which sets them apart from other species. The fish is typically characin-shaped where the females are bigger in size. However, the males are much brighter colored. 

How cute are they?

Due to the fishs' social behavior, bright colors, and adorable size, they are usually in high demand for commercial use. You will find yourself tapping on the aquarium glass if you see this cute creature, which definitely makes it one of the most cutest fishes for aquariums. 

How do they communicate?

The species showcases their strength while defending their territories with the help of their fins whereas, during the mating rituals, males would usually showcase their bright colors to attract mates while the female would showcase her body size. 

How big is a yellow phantom tetra?

A phantom tetra is about 0.60-0.78 in (15-20 mm) in length. 

How fast can a yellow phantom tetra swim?

Tetras are fast swimmers that have no problem swimming in fast currents until they find an area of slower current but the exact value of their swim rate is not known and is still under investigation.

How much does a yellow phantom tetra weigh?

They are a group of small fish that weighs only around 0.004 oz (0.12-0.13 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no sex-specific names given to tetras.

What would you call a baby yellow phantom tetra?

Similar to a black phantom tetra and a seahorse, babies are referred to as fry.

What do they eat?

Their diet consists of aquatic crustaceans, plants, annelid worms, zooplankton, algae, and small invertebrates, whereas other bigger fishes, crustaceans, andspotted garden eels feed on yellow phantom tetra.

Are they dangerous?

No, they are quite friendly and sociable which makes them easy to breed in an aquarium with no danger whatsoever. 

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, a yellow phantom tetra fish will make an excellent pet due to its peaceful nature, social behavior, and active involvement in the environment, which makes it a suitable aquarium pet for anyone who is willing to take care of one.

However, it is to be remembered that any tetra, whether it is a yellow or black phantom tetra is quite expensive as they require the correct amount of hardness, lighting, temperature, dark areas, food, tank mates, and tank size for their survival.

Did you know...

There are so many tetra species that more than half are still unknown. The ones we do know about are very friendly and prefer to live in schools rather than be alone like the black phantom tetra.

It is highly recommended that these fish be kept with other species of the same behavioral pattern given enough foods, good lighting, plants, and environment so that both the fish live a healthy life in the large tank-size aquarium.

Do phantom tetras jump?

Yes, as active swimmers phantom tetras can jump and cover a lot of distance if a suitable environment is provided to them where the water level, as well as the chemical balance, is soft to hard and acidic to slightly alkaline.

They jump in order to claim their territories while they are quarreling with other male tank mates. The jumping may involve a form of a battle for territory but it is harmless and does not require much attention unless and until it is happening on a daily basis.

In that case, you need to change the Tetra's tank mates along with the aquarium system.

What is the biggest tetra fish?

Some of the biggest Tetra species includes the Red eye tetra fish that can grow up to 3 in (7.62 cm) in length, followed by the bleeding heart tetra,Congo tetra, emperor tetra, diamond tetra, Colombian tetra, and the Buenos Aires tetra with a maximum length of 2.5 in (6.35 cm). 

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fish from our X-ray tetra facts and black phantom tetra facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable easy yellow phantom tetra coloring pages.