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.
Ember Tetra At a Glance
Ember Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Ember Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Ember Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Ember Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Ember Tetra Water Parameters
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Ember Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Ember Tetra 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
Ember 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.
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.
Ember Tetra 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
Show 22 more tank sizes
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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.
Top Tank Mates for Ember Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Ember Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Plants That Suit Ember Tetra
These plants pair well with Ember Tetra based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Ember Tetra
Fire Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
The Fire Tetra (commonly sold as the Flame or Von Rio Tetra) is a peaceful, schooling nano fish originating from the coastal rivers of Brazil. They are prized for their striking two-toned appearance, which transitions from silver/yellow at the head to a vibrant fiery red at the tail. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent choice for planted community aquariums, though they are unfortunately considered endangered or possibly extinct in the wild due to habitat loss.
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.
Green Fire Tetra
Aphyocharax rathbuni
The Green Fire Tetra is a lively, schooling fish originating from South America. They are characterized by their metallic green bodies and a striking red coloration on their lower flanks and anal fins. They are generally peaceful but highly active, requiring plenty of swimming space and a group of conspecifics to feel secure and display their best colors.
Blue Emperor Tetra
Inpaichthys kerri
The Blue Emperor Tetra, also known as the Royal Tetra, is a stunning, active schooling fish native to the Aripuanã River basin in Brazil. They feature a bold dark lateral stripe and vibrant blue-purple iridescence that intensifies in planted aquariums with slightly acidic water. Males will actively spar and display to establish dominance, but are harmless to other species.
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.
Garnet Tetra
Hemigrammus pulcher
A beautiful, deep-bodied tetra native to the slow-moving tributaries of the upper Amazon basin. They are distinguished by a striking black wedge-shaped patch near their tail, framed by a shimmering garnet or coppery hue. They are peaceful schooling fish that look their best in mature, dimly lit blackwater aquariums.