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About the Ember Tetra

The Ember Tetra is one of the smallest and most colourful freshwater fish available, prized for its brilliant glowing orange-red body and peaceful schooling behaviour. Native to the slow-moving blackwater tributaries of the Araguaia River Basin in Brazil, this tiny tetra is a favourite for planted aquariums, nano tanks, and shrimp aquariums.

Despite reaching only around 2 cm in length, Ember Tetras create an incredible display when kept in large schools. Their vibrant orange colour contrasts beautifully against lush green plants, dark substrates, and driftwood, giving planted aquariums a natural yet striking appearance. Males often develop deeper orange colouration during courtship, while females are slightly rounder-bodied.

Ember Tetras thrive in mature, heavily planted aquariums with gentle water movement, floating plants, and open swimming areas. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for Celestial Pearl Danios, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Rasboras, Pencilfish, Apistogramma, freshwater shrimp, and other peaceful nano fish.

A varied diet of premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods will maximise their brilliant colouration and overall health.

Tiny, hardy, and incredibly vibrant, the Ember Tetra is one of the finest schooling fish for nano aquariums and planted freshwater displays.

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Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Common Name

Ember Tetra

Origin

Araguaia River Basin, Brazil

Adult Size

2–2.5 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

40 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

5.5–7.5

Water Hardness

1–10 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

2–4 Years

Suitable For

Nano aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp aquariums, blackwater aquariums, and peaceful community tanks

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Ember Tetras should I keep?

Ember Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 10. Schools of 20 or more create an incredible display and encourage natural behaviour.

Are Ember Tetras peaceful?

Yes. They are one of the most peaceful freshwater fish available and are ideal for nano and community aquariums.

What do Ember Tetras eat?

They thrive on premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Ember Tetras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are among the best fish for shrimp aquariums and are generally safe with adult Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Why are my Ember Tetras pale?

Stress, poor water quality, bright lighting, or an inadequate diet can cause their colours to fade. Dense planting, subdued lighting, excellent water quality, and a varied diet will help maintain their brilliant orange-red colouration.

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Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Ember Tetras become shy and lose colour when kept in groups smaller than ten.

Bright aquariums with little cover

Floating plants, driftwood, and dense planting help them feel secure and display their best colours.

Feeding oversized foods

Their tiny mouths require fine pellets, crushed flakes, and appropriately sized live or frozen foods.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions and regular water changes are essential for healthy, vibrant fish.

Keeping them with large aggressive fish

Choose peaceful nano and community species that won't intimidate or prey on these tiny tetras.