The ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is one of the most colorful and peaceful tetra species available in the aquarium hobby. Their bright orange glow adds vibrancy to any freshwater setup, especially when kept in planted tanks. Plus, these hardy fish are beginner-friendly and easy to care for!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping ember tetras happy, healthy, and active in your aquarium.
Species Overview
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
- Common Names: Ember Tetra, Fire Tetra, Amanda’s Tetra, Dwarf Reds
- Origin: Araguaia River Basin, Central and Western Brazil
- Size: Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 2–3 years
- Temperament: Peaceful, Schooling
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Natural Habitat
Discovered relatively recently in 1987, ember tetras are native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained blackwater tributaries of Brazil’s Amazon basin. They typically live in:
- Soft, sandy or muddy substrates
- Water rich in tannins from decaying plant material
- Low-light environments under heavy forest canopy
- Very minimal current
Recreating these conditions in the home aquarium will help your ember tetras display their best colors and natural behaviors.
Identification and Coloration
Ember tetras are famous for their brilliant, fiery orange bodies that almost seem to glow underwater. Their eyes match their body color but have a distinct black outline, and their fins are slightly darker.
- Males are usually more vibrantly colored, especially during breeding seasons.
- Females tend to be slightly larger with a rounder belly.
Note: Ember tetras are sometimes confused with the glowlight tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus), but they are different species and have distinct appearances.
Ember Tetra Tank Requirements
Although small, ember tetras are active swimmers and should not be cramped into small tanks.
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) for a small school
- Ideal Setup:
- Blackwater system with tannins (e.g., Indian almond leaves)
- Heavily planted with live aquatic plants and floating species
- Low water flow to mimic natural conditions
- Soft, darker substrate to enhance colors
Tip: A longer tank (rather than taller) offers better swimming space for schooling behavior.
Water Parameters
Ember tetras are hardy but thrive best under the following conditions:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Water hardness | 4–8 dKH (soft water) |
Stability is more important than perfection! Aim for gradual adjustments when needed.
How Many Ember Tetras Should Be Kept Together?
Ember tetras are true schooling fish. They feel safest and display the best color when kept in groups.
- Minimum School Size: 6–7 fish
- Ideal: 10–15 fish (larger schools reduce stress and promote natural behaviors)
For a 10-gallon tank, start with a group of six, but more is always better if tank space allows.
Ember Tetra Behavior and Temperament
- Schooling Behavior: Ember tetras love swimming together in the middle and upper areas of the tank.
- Shy but Social: Peaceful and non-aggressive, they tend to ignore other species.
- Stress Warning Signs: If kept alone or in groups too small, they may become shy, lose color, or display stressed behaviors.
Are ember tetras aggressive?
No! However, a too-small group can cause fin-nipping or occasional chasing among themselves.
Suitable Tank Mates for Ember Tetras
Because they are so peaceful, ember tetras make excellent community tank fish. Ideal tank mates include:
- Neon Tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Corydoras Catfish
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp)
- Snails (like Nerite Snails)
Caution: Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may view ember tetras as food!
Diet and Feeding
Ember tetras are omnivores and are not picky eaters.
- Staple Diet: High-quality tropical fish flakes or micro-pellets
- Supplement:
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Bloodworms (chopped)
- Daphnia
- Micro worms
Because they are small, ensure food pieces are appropriately sized to prevent feeding struggles.
Breeding Ember Tetras
Breeding ember tetras is relatively straightforward and can even occur naturally in well-maintained tanks!
How to Breed Ember Tetras:
- Setup a Breeding Tank:
- Soft, slightly acidic water
- Low light levels
- Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
- Egg crate or mesh bottom to protect eggs
- Condition the Breeders:
Feed adults a varied diet of high-protein foods like live brine shrimp. - Trigger Spawning:
Gradually increase the temperature to 80–84°F (26.7–28.9°C) and pH toward neutral (~7.0). - Post-Spawning:
Remove adults immediately to prevent them from eating the eggs. - Raising Fry:
- Feed infusoria or powdered fry food at first
- Move on to baby brine shrimp as they grow
Fry will grow rapidly under proper conditions and can join the main tank once large enough.
Conclusion
The ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a stunning, beginner-friendly freshwater fish that brings movement and color to any planted aquarium. With simple care requirements, peaceful behavior, and easy breeding habits, these tetras are perfect for both novice and experienced aquarists.
By providing a well-planted, stable environment and keeping them in schools, you’ll enjoy their shimmering beauty and lively energy for years to come.
