Flame Tetra care guide
Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5.
Overview
The Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus), also called the Rio Tetra, is a small characid from coastal river basins around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Adults display a silvery body that flushes into a bright orange-red toward the tail.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Hyphessobrycon
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon flammeus
- Common synonyms: Von Rio Tetra, Fire Tetra
Habitat
Native to small coastal streams and ponds in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in slightly soft to moderately hard water with dense vegetation. The wild range has been heavily impacted by urbanisation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-4 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
An omnivore. Offer flakes, micro-pellets and small live or frozen foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops).
Compatibility
A peaceful shoaling species. Keep a group of at least six in a planted aquarium. Compatible with other small peaceful characins, Corydoras and dwarf rasboras.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Soft, slightly acidic water and conditioning with live foods induce spawning over fine-leaved plants.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. Wild populations have declined sharply due to habitat loss, but the species is widely captive-bred.