Tetra Ember
Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
Species: Hyphessobrycon amandae
Growth Form: Small, slender-bodied schooling fish with vibrant orange to reddish translucent coloration
Size: Up to 2–2.5 cm (≈0.8–1 inch)
Lifespan: 2–4 years
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish; thrives in groups
Diet: Omnivorous – accepts micro pellets, flakes, and live/frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia
Habitat: Freshwater; prefers planted tanks with subdued lighting and gentle flow
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Hardness: Soft to moderately soft
Tank Mates: Small, peaceful fish and shrimp; avoid large or aggressive species
Breeding: Egg scatterer; prefers fine plants; adults may eat eggs
Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
Common Name: Ember Tetra
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
Overview
The Ember Tetra is a small, vibrant freshwater fish prized for its glowing orange coloration and peaceful schooling behavior. Its subtle beauty and ease of care make it a favorite among aquarists, especially for nano and planted aquariums.
Natural Habitat
Ember Tetras are native to Brazil, specifically the Araguaia River basin. They inhabit slow-moving tributaries, floodplains, and forest streams with dense vegetation, leaf litter, and soft, acidic water conditions.
Appearance
These fish are known for their striking translucent orange to reddish-orange bodies that resemble glowing embers—hence the name. Their fins are delicate and often lightly tinted, adding to their subtle elegance. In well-maintained aquariums, their color becomes more intense.
Size & Lifespan
- Adult Size: 2–2.5 cm (≈0.8–1 inch)
- Lifespan: 2–4 years
Behavior & Temperament
Ember Tetras are peaceful, social fish that thrive in groups. They exhibit natural schooling behavior and feel most comfortable in schools of at least 6–10 individuals. When kept in proper numbers, they display more vibrant colors and active swimming patterns.
Diet
Omnivorous:
- High-quality micro pellets or flakes
- Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms
- Occasional plant-based foods
A varied diet enhances their coloration and overall health.
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger for bigger schools)
- Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderately soft
- Setup: Heavily planted tank with subdued lighting, driftwood, and leaf litter
They thrive in stable, well-maintained water conditions.
Tank Mates
- Other small, peaceful fish (e.g., rasboras, small tetras)
- Corydoras catfish
- Small shrimp species
Avoid large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or prey on them.
Breeding
- Egg scatterers
- Prefer dim lighting and fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
- Adults may eat eggs, so separation is recommended
- Eggs hatch within 24–36 hours
Breeding is possible but requires controlled conditions.
Benefits in Aquariums
- Adds vibrant color to nano tanks
- Ideal for planted aquascapes
- Peaceful and community-friendly
- Easy to care for
Considerations
- Colors may fade if stressed or kept in small groups
- Sensitive to poor water quality
- Best suited for calm tank environments
Fun Facts
- Their glowing orange color makes them look like tiny floating embers in the water
- They were discovered relatively recently (1980s) compared to many aquarium fish
- In darker tanks with plants, their color appears even more intense
- Unlike many fish, they actually look better and behave more naturally in larger groups
- They are one of the best fish choices for nano aquascaping setups