The Ember Tetra is a striking, fiery orange-red nano fish native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. Extremely peaceful and active, they are perfect for planted and blackwater aquariums. They are tight schoolers and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Red Tetra
Top Tank Mates
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Ancistrus cirrhosus
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Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
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Melanoides tuberculata
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Clea helena
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Planorbidae fam.
🟢Ideal Tank MatesEmber Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Ember Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon amandae, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Ember Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 5–7 and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Ember Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Ember Tetra is typically available in one standard form.
Ember Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Ember Tetra, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Ember Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Ember Tetra is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Ember Tetra.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ember Tetra
How big does Ember Tetra get?
Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Ember Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Ember Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Ember Tetra need?
Ember Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–29°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Ember Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Ember Tetra is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Ember Tetra should be kept together?
Ember Tetra is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Ember Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Ember Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
A peaceful, schooling nano fish native to the Essequibo River basin in South America. They are famous for their translucent bodies and the striking iridescent neon-orange stripe running from snout to tail. They thrive in mature, planted aquariums with slightly soft, acidic water and subdued lighting.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
One of the most iconic freshwater fish in the hobby, famous for its striking iridescent blue and red stripes. Originally from the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin, they prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish and must be kept in schools to thrive, display natural behaviors, and feel secure.
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
A striking, robust schooling fish from Colombia. Unlike many tetras, they do not swim in a tight shoal, preferring to loosely associate while males stake out small territories to display to females. They feature a bold black lateral line and iridescent purple/blue hues.
Bucktooth Tetra (Exodon)
Exodon paradoxus
The Bucktooth Tetra is a highly active, predatory shoaling fish infamous for its scale-eating (lepidophagous) behavior. They are extremely aggressive and will strip the scales, fins, and even eyes off almost any tankmate. They must be kept in a species-only tank in large groups (12+) to disperse their intense conspecific aggression; otherwise, they will systematically kill each other.
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
A stunning, deep-bodied tetra endemic to Lake Valencia in Venezuela. Named for the brilliant, iridescent scales on its flanks that sparkle like diamonds under the right lighting. They are highly active, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in well-planted aquariums. Males develop spectacular, flowing fins as they mature.