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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Red phantom tetra

Megalamphodus sweglesi Géry, 1961
Max Length
3.2 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone

📖 Overview

Feeds on worms, small insects and crustaceans . Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm .

Scientific Name
Megalamphodus sweglesi
Authority
Géry, 1961
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
3.2 cm
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Water Temp
20–23 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Megalamphodus
Megalamphodus
Species
Red phantom tetra
Megalamphodus sweglesi

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Red phantom tetra is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Red phantom tetra is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Red phantom tetra is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Red phantom tetra is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 20. Tropical; 20°C - 23°C South America: Orinoco River basin.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.2±0.37
Food Items

worms, small insects and crustaceans (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01995 × L3.01 (TL)
Max TL
3.2cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
20–23°C
pH Range
5.5–7.5
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Géry, 1961

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Megalamphodus Sweglesi is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Red phantom tetra is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Red phantom tetra has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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