Description

The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a small, vibrant freshwater fish known for its striking orange-red coloration and peaceful nature. Native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of the Araguaia River basin in Brazil, the Ember Tetra’s bright appearance and gentle demeanor make it a popular choice for aquarists, especially in nano and community tanks. These fish are highly social and are best appreciated in groups, where they display their most natural and engaging behaviors.
Appearance
Ember Tetras are named for their fiery, amber-orange hue, which varies in intensity from pale orange to deep red, depending on lighting and diet. They have streamlined, slightly translucent bodies that allow light to pass through, giving them a glowing effect. Adults only reach about 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length, making them one of the smallest tetras available. Their small size and brilliant coloring make them stand out, especially against lush green plants or dark substrates.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
In the wild, Ember Tetras inhabit slow-moving streams filled with dense vegetation and leaf litter, which create a soft, dimly lit environment. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended, though they thrive in larger tanks where they can school and interact comfortably.
Tank Setup
Substrate: A dark, sandy substrate enhances their colors and mimics their natural environment.
Décor: Plants are essential in an Ember Tetra tank. They enjoy densely planted tanks with options like Java moss, anubias, and floating plants that create shaded areas and a sense of security. Adding driftwood and leaf litter not only provides hiding spots but also releases tannins, slightly tinting the water and creating a more natural ambiance.
Water Quality: Ember Tetras are sensitive to poor water conditions, so a well-filtered tank with regular water changes is essential.
Temperature: They thrive in warmer waters between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
pH: They prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Diet and Feeding
Ember Tetras are omnivores with a preference for small, protein-rich foods. In the wild, they feed on tiny invertebrates, algae, and detritus. In an aquarium, they accept a variety of small foods such as high-quality micro pellets, crushed flake food, and live or frozen options like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Due to their small size, feed them small portions that they can consume easily to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Feeding them twice a day in small amounts will keep them healthy and vibrant.
Temperament and Compatibility
Ember Tetras are peaceful, schooling fish that prefer to be kept in groups of at least 8 to 10 individuals, which helps reduce stress and promotes their natural schooling behavior. Their gentle temperament makes them excellent tank mates for other peaceful species, including small rasboras, other tetras, dwarf corydoras, and shrimp. However, due to their small size, avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish that may view them as prey.
Lifespan and Care
With proper care, Ember Tetras can live up to 2 to 4 years. They are relatively hardy, but maintaining stable water parameters and performing regular water changes are essential for their health. These fish are sensitive to sudden changes in water conditions, so it’s best to introduce them to a well-established tank.
Special Considerations
Schooling Behavior: Ember Tetras are happiest in groups and will display more vibrant colors and natural behavior when kept with others of their species. A well-sized school not only enhances their color but also brings out their graceful, synchronized swimming.
Natural Lighting: Their colors are enhanced by soft, natural lighting. Avoid overly bright lights; instead, use dimmed lighting or floating plants to create a shaded, dappled effect that mimics their natural habitat.
Plant Coverage: Due to their small size and preference for shelter, plants are essential to keep Ember Tetras feeling secure. They will often retreat to plant cover when they feel threatened or stressed.
Breeding
Breeding Ember Tetras is achievable but requires careful conditions. A separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and temperatures around 80°F is ideal.