Ember Tetra

Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Appearance & Behavior

Add a warm orange glow to your freshwater aquarium with Ember Tetras. Their tiny, translucent bodies develop rich orange to reddish tones as they settle into a comfortable environment. A group weaving through green plants brings gentle movement and color without overwhelming the aquascape. These peaceful, social fish feel more secure with their own kind and may become shy around larger or boisterous tankmates.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Easy to moderate; best in an established aquarium

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Adult Size: Approximately 0.75–1 inch

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons; larger aquariums allow bigger groups and more community stocking

• Temperature: 73–80°F

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water; avoid abrupt changes

• Diet: Omnivore

• Swimming Area: Middle

• Recommended Quantity: At least 6; preferably 10 or more when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide plants, shaded retreats, gentle filtration, and open swimming space. Ember Tetras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions. Fine-leaved plants and floating cover help them feel secure, while a protected filter intake keeps these tiny fish away from strong suction.

Good companions include small rasboras, other gentle small tetras, and small Corydoras species with compatible care requirements. Adult dwarf shrimp and plant-safe snails can also be suitable, though tiny shrimplets may be eaten. Avoid large, aggressive, or boisterous fish that could swallow them, intimidate them, or outcompete them for food.

Feeding

Feed finely crushed Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm, supplemented with suitably small Daphnia and finely chopped Bloodworms. Their mouths are especially small, so do not offer whole 1.2 mm pellets or large bloodworms. Offer small portions and ensure shy fish have a chance to eat.