Ember Tetra

Ember Tetra – Hyphessobrycon amandae

The Ember Tetra is a stunning little schooling fish known for its bright ember-orange colour and semi-transparent body. Its peaceful nature, tiny size, and vibrant appearance make it an excellent choice for nano tanks, planted aquariums, and peaceful community setups.

Also known as the Fire Tetra, Dwarf Red Tetra, or Amanda’s Tetra, this species is becoming increasingly popular with aquarists. A good-sized school moving through a planted aquarium can create an impressive splash of colour.

Ember Tetras generally spend most of their time in the middle and upper areas of the aquarium, although they will explore all levels when feeding. They are peaceful and best kept with other small, non-aggressive fish and peaceful invertebrates.

As a schooling species, Ember Tetras should be kept in groups of at least 6, although larger groups are recommended where space allows. Keeping a larger school helps them feel secure and encourages more natural behaviour.

They thrive in clean, well-maintained water and look particularly impressive in planted aquariums with darker substrates and areas of floating vegetation. Their natural habitat consists of soft, slightly acidic water with tannins and leaf litter, although tank-bred specimens are generally adaptable to a range of aquarium conditions.

Avoid keeping Ember Tetras with large or overly boisterous fish that may intimidate them or outcompete them for food.

Feeding

Ember Tetras are easy to feed and will readily accept a variety of appropriately sized foods. A varied diet will help maintain their health and vibrant colouration.

Suitable foods include:

• High-quality micro pellets or finely crushed flakes
• Frozen or live baby brine shrimp
• Microworms
• Small Tubifex
• Finely chopped bloodworms

What We Like About This Fish

• Beautiful ember-orange colouration
• Tiny adult size
• Peaceful temperament
• Active and attractive schooling behaviour
• Excellent for nano aquariums
• Fantastic choice for planted tanks
• Compatible with many other small, peaceful fish

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 5.0–7.0
• KH: 3–12 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: Approx. 38 litres
• Recommended Group Size: 6+, with larger schools preferred

Care Information

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
• Common Name: Ember Tetra
• Purchase Size: Approx. 0.6–1.3 cm
• Adult Size: Approx. 1.5–2 cm
• Diet: Omnivorous/micropredator
• Temperament: Very peaceful
• Social Behaviour: Schooling/shoaling
• Origin: Tank-bred; species originates from the Araguaia River system of South America
• Care Level: Easy
• Best Suited To: Nano, planted and peaceful community aquariums