All fish / Characidae

Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Also known as ember tetra, amanda's tetra, fire tetra, red ember tetra, amandae tetra, ปลาเอมเบอร์เตตร้า, ikan ember tetra, アマンダエ・テトラ, アマンダテトラ, 火焰灯, 火焰灯鱼

A tiny, bright orange to reddish tetra with slightly translucent fins that glows warmly against dark substrate and green plants. It is popular for planted nano tanks because it stays very small, is gentle and looks striking in a tight shoal.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

2 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Shoal of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small flakes, micro pellets, baby brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Araguaia River basin, Mato Grosso

Breeding

An egg scatterer that spawns among fine-leaved plants or moss and gives no parental care. Breeding is fairly easy in a small, soft, acidic tank with the adults removed after spawning, though the fry need infusoria-sized food at first.

Good to know

Its very small size means it can be eaten by larger fish such as angelfish, so choose small, peaceful tankmates. Colour is best in soft, slightly acidic water with dim lighting and leaf litter.