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.
Fire Tetra At a Glance
Fire Tetra Tank Requirements
Will Fire Tetra fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Fire Tetra needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Fire Tetra against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Fire Tetra Water Parameters
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Fire Tetra Temperament & Compatibility
Fire Tetra Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Red)
The standard wild-type coloration featuring two dark vertical shoulder stripes and a deep red or flame-colored posterior. Must be kept in groups of 6 or more to prevent shyness.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Red Flame Tetra
Orange Von Rio
A selectively bred color morph that emphasizes a bright, uniform orange or golden hue across the entire body, largely masking the distinct shoulder stripes of the standard form.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Orange Flame Tetra, Golden Flame Tetra, Yellow Von Rio
Fire Tetra Care Guide Summary
The Fire Tetra, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon flammeus, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3.5 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 Fire Tetra requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Fire Tetra is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Red) and Orange Von Rio. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Fire Tetra Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Fire 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 dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Fire Tetra Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Fire 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. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Fire Tetra Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Fire Tetra.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Tetra
How big does Fire Tetra get?
Fire Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Fire Tetra need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Fire Tetra. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Fire Tetra need?
Fire Tetra thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Fire Tetra peaceful or aggressive?
Fire 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 Fire Tetra should be kept together?
Fire 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 Fire Tetra have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Fire Tetra benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Fire Tetra
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Fire Tetra based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Dainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesIncolicana Corydoras
Corydoras incolicana
Ideal Tank MatesEmerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesDuplicareus Corydoras
Corydoras duplicareus
Ideal Tank MatesLoxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Corydoras loxozonus
Ideal Tank MatesAngelicus Botia
Botia kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Fire Tetra
These plants pair well with Fire 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 Fire Tetra
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.
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
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.
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.
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.
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.