Megalostictus Tetra

Phenacogaster megalostictus is a medium-sized, modestly built characin from the Guiana Shield drainages of Venezuela and Guyana. It is distinguished from most tetras by scattered dark spots on the flanks, giving it a somewhat dappled appearance. The body is silver with a faint golden lateral band, and the fins are hyaline with subtle pigmentation.

This is an underappreciated species in the hobby, rarely imported but genuinely attractive in a large school. It is active, peaceful, and works well in spacious community tanks with other medium-sized characins and catfish. Water conditions should be soft to medium hardness with slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Feeding is uncomplicated: standard flake, pellets, and frozen foods are accepted without difficulty. This is a good species for the intermediate aquarist seeking something unusual but not overly demanding.

Water: 23–27°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to medium (GH 3–15, KH 1–7). Tank: 100 L minimum; open swimming space with some planting; moderate flow acceptable. Feeding: Quality flake, pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Breeding: Egg-scatterer; seldom achieved in captivity; condition with live foods. Compatibility: Peaceful with similarly sized tetras, corydoras, loricariids, and dwarf cichlids.