Ember Tetra

The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish that has quickly become a favorite among aquarists for its brilliant orange-red coloration and peaceful temperament. Native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of the Brazilian Amazon, this tiny characin brings warmth, energy, and a pop of color to any community aquarium.

Ember Tetras are petite, typically growing to just 0.8–1 inch in length, which makes them ideal for smaller tanks or nano aquariums. Despite their small size, they have a big presence thanks to their striking fiery-orange body and shimmering scales that glow under moderate lighting. Keeping them in schools of six or more enhances their natural schooling behavior and creates a lively display as they dart gracefully through the water.

These fish thrive in well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots and subdued lighting. Floating plants can help diffuse light and replicate their natural habitat, while dark substrates and decorations bring out the intensity of their coloration. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH of 5.5–7.0 and a temperature range of 73–81°F.

Ember Tetras are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them excellent community tank inhabitants. They pair well with other small, gentle species such as neon tetras, rasboras, dwarf corydoras, and small livebearers. Because they are delicate, it’s important to avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that could intimidate or eat them.

Feeding Ember Tetras is simple as they are omnivores. They readily accept high-quality micro flakes, crushed pellets, and small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, microworms, or brine shrimp. A varied diet helps maintain their brilliant color and supports their overall health.

Breeding Ember Tetras is achievable in home aquariums with proper care. They are egg scatterers and prefer a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. After spawning, adults should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs typically hatch in 24–36 hours, and the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to accept baby brine shrimp.

Overall, the Ember Tetra is a perfect combination of small size, brilliant color, and peaceful behavior. Its fiery hue and lively schooling behavior make it a standout in any freshwater aquarium, offering both beginner and experienced aquarists an easy-to-care-for, visually striking addition to their community tank.