Ember Tetra care guide
Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 23-29 °C, pH 5.5-7. Peaceful middle-water species.
Overview
The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a tiny characid described in 1987, distinguished by a warm orange-red body that intensifies under good water conditions. Adults rarely exceed 2 cm, making it one of the smallest tetras in the hobby and well suited to densely planted nano aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
- Common synonyms: Fire Tetra
Habitat
Endemic to the Araguaia River basin in central Brazil. It is found in shaded, slow-moving streams and floodplain pools with leaf litter, dense aquatic vegetation and soft, slightly acidic water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 1.5-2 cm
- Temperature: 23-29 °C (73-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 1-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
- School size: ≥8 individuals
Diet
A micropredator that consumes small invertebrates, zooplankton and plant fragments in the wild. In aquaria accept micro-pellets, crushed flake, small frozen and live foods such as cyclops, daphnia and microworms. Offer several small feeds per day given the species' tiny mouth.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling species best displayed in groups of eight or more. Suitable companions include Chili Rasbora, Celestial Pearl Danio, small Corydoras, Otocinclus and dwarf shrimp. Avoid keeping with much larger or boisterous tank mates that may outcompete it for food or trigger persistent hiding.
Breeding
Adults scatter small batches of adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or mosses. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours; fry are tiny and need infusoria for the first days before progressing to microworms and brine shrimp nauplii. Remove the adults after spawning as they will consume the eggs.