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Ember Tetra: A Comprehensive Care Guide (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a tiny but striking freshwater fish known for its bright orange coloration and peaceful temperament. Native to South America, this species has become extremely popular among aquarists, especially those who enjoy planted aquariums and nano tanks.

Despite their small size, Ember Tetras create a stunning visual effect when kept in large schools. Their glowing orange bodies contrast beautifully with green plants, driftwood, and darker aquarium substrates. Because of their peaceful nature and small size, they are also excellent fish for community aquariums with other small species.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

Ember Tetras are native to Brazil, where they inhabit slow-moving tributaries and floodplain waters of the Araguaia River basin.

In the wild they are commonly found in:

  • Slow-moving streams

  • Flooded forest areas

  • Shallow blackwater environments

  • Areas with dense vegetation

These habitats often contain soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of leaf litter and plant cover.

Size

Adult size: approximately 0.8–1 inch (2–2.5 cm)

Ember Tetras remain very small throughout their lives, making them ideal for nano aquariums and planted tanks.

Tank Size

Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
Recommended tank size: 15–20 gallons

Because they are schooling fish, Ember Tetras should be kept in groups of at least 8–10 individuals, though larger groups display the most natural behavior and create the best visual effect.

Water Parameters

Ember Tetras prefer stable water conditions similar to their natural habitat.

Temperature: 73–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.0
Hardness: soft to moderately soft

While they can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions, they thrive best in clean, well-maintained water with regular water changes.

Aquarium Setup

A heavily planted aquarium works especially well for Ember Tetras.

Recommended tank features include:

  • Dense live plants such as stem plants or moss

  • Driftwood and natural decorations

  • Dark substrate to enhance coloration

  • Dim or moderate lighting

Providing areas of plant cover helps the fish feel secure, while leaving open swimming areas allows them to school naturally.

Diet

Ember Tetras are omnivorous and easy to feed.

In the aquarium they will accept:

  • High-quality nano pellets

  • Crushed flakes

  • Frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia

  • Small live foods

Because of their tiny mouths, food should be very small or finely crushed.

Behavior and Temperament

Ember Tetras are extremely peaceful schooling fish that spend most of their time swimming in the middle of the aquarium.

Typical behaviors include:

  • Tight schooling in groups

  • Gentle swimming through plants

  • Occasional chasing within the school

They are very calm fish and rarely show aggression toward tank mates.

Tank Mates

Because of their small size and peaceful nature, Ember Tetras should be kept with other gentle fish.

Good tank mates include:

  • Corydoras

  • Small rasboras

  • Dwarf shrimp

  • Small rainbowfish such as Pseudomugil species

  • Other peaceful nano fish

Avoid large or aggressive species that may see them as food.

Breeding

Ember Tetras are egg-scattering fish that may breed in well-established aquariums.

During spawning:

  • Eggs are scattered among fine-leaved plants or moss

  • Adults do not guard the eggs

  • Eggs typically hatch within 24–36 hours

Fry can be raised on infusoria or powdered fry food before transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Fun Facts

  • Ember Tetras were first described in 1987 and quickly became popular in the aquarium hobby.

  • Their species name amandae was given in honor of the mother of the scientist who described the species.

  • When kept in large schools, Ember Tetras can create the appearance of a glowing orange cloud moving through the aquarium.

Conclusion

The Ember Tetra is a beautiful and peaceful nano fish that works well in planted aquariums and community tanks with other small species. Their bright orange coloration, calm temperament, and small size make them an excellent choice for aquarists of all experience levels. When kept in large groups and provided with stable water conditions, Ember Tetras can thrive and add vibrant color to any freshwater aquarium.

Looking to Add Fish to Your Aquarium?

If you're looking to add new fish to your aquarium, we recommend purchasing from trusted retailers known for their healthy livestock and excellent selection. The Wet Spot Tropical Fish has one of the best selections of rare and high-quality freshwater fish in the hobby, with excellent shipping and consistently healthy stock. Moonlight Aquatics is another fantastic source, especially for uncommon species and great prices on unique fish you don’t see everywhere. If you’re looking to add shrimp to your tanks, Buy Pet Shrimp specializes in hardy, well-bred freshwater shrimp that ship safely and arrive in great condition.

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