If you want to get a small, peaceful, and beautiful fish to enlighten your aquarium? You should check the Ember Tetras. These fiery little fish, known for their vibrant orange-red hues and playful nature, make an excellent addition to any community tank. Ember Tetras are not only visually beautiful, but they’re also easy to care for—making them perfect for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Ember Tetras, from their ideal habitat to their diet, tank mates, and breeding tips. By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete understanding of how to keep these aquatic gems healthy and happy in your home aquarium.
What Are Ember Tetras?
Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae) are tiny freshwater fish native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. These fish rarely grow longer than 0.8 inches (about 2 cm), but don’t let their size fool you—their bright, ember-like glow gives them a massive presence in the tank.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
- Lifespan: 2–4 years
- Size: Up to 0.8 inches
- Temperament: Peaceful and social
- Ideal Tank Size: 10 gallons and up
- Temperature Range: 73°F to 84°F (23°C to 29°C)
They love to be in groups. A lonely Ember Tetra is a stressed Ember Tetra, so always keep at least 6 to 8 together.
Why Choose Ember Tetras for Your Aquarium?
There are many reasons Ember Tetras have become so popular among aquarists. Here are a few:
- Low Maintenance: They’re hardy and adaptable to a variety of conditions.
- Peaceful Nature: Perfect for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.
- Visually Stunning: Their rich orange-red bodies add a splash of color.
- Small Size: Great for nano and desktop tanks.
If you are still confused about Ember Tetras? Let’s keep going to see it is perfect for you.
Setting Up the Perfect Ember Tetra Habitat
Health and happiness of your Tetras basically depends on setting up a perfect environments.
Tank Size and Layout
These tetras are small and tiny but still they need space to swim. A 10-gallon tank is the bare minimum, but if you can offer more, even better.
Tank setup tips:
- Long tanks are better than tall ones for more horizontal swimming space.
- Use live plants like Java moss, Anubias, or Hornwort to mimic their natural habitat.
- Add driftwood and leaf litter for tannin-rich waters—this resembles the South American rivers they’re from.
Need help choosing a tank? Read our guide on choosing the right aquarium size.
Water Parameters
Keeping your tank conditions stable is crucial. Ember Tetras are hardy, but they still need clean, consistent water.
- Temperature: 73°F–84°F (23°C–29°C)
- pH: 5.5 to 7.0 (slightly acidic is best)
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- Lighting: Moderate to low; too much light can stress them out
Regular testing is a must. If you’re new to this, check out why regular water testing is essential.
The Latest Tips and News straight to Your Inbox !
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
What Do Ember Tetras Eat?
Feeding your Ember Tetras isn’t just a chore—it’s an opportunity to interact with them and watch their personalities shine.
Diet Essentials
Ember Tetras are omnivores. In the wild, they snack on tiny insects, larvae, and plant matter.
In your tank, aim for variety:
- High-quality flake food or micro pellets
- Frozen or live foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, or bloodworms
- Vegetable supplements such as blanched spinach or spirulina flakes
Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day. Don’t overfeed—these guys are tiny, and excess food will mess up your water quality.
Want to learn more about proper fish diets? You’ll find helpful info in our article on the ideal diet for Betta fish—much of it applies to tetras, too!
Choosing Tank Mates for Ember Tetras
One of the best things about Ember Tetras is their peaceful temperament. They get along with many species, making them ideal community tank residents.
Good Tank Mates
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Neon or Cardinal Tetras
- Rasboras
- Shrimp (like Amano or Cherry)
- Snails
Fish to Avoid
- Aggressive species
- Large, predatory fish (they might see your tetras as snacks)
- Fin-nippers like tiger barbs
Interested in tank mates for other peaceful fish? Check out how to choose Betta tank mates.
Breeding Ember Tetras at Home
Breeding Ember Tetras can be a fun and rewarding challenge. Unlike some fish, they don’t require fancy conditions to spawn, but a few tweaks can help.
Breeding Basics
- Separate breeding tank: A sponge filter to be used with a 5–10 gallon tank with .
- Condition with live food: Feed the adults protein-rich meals.
- Dim lighting: Use floating plants to reduce light intensity.
- Provide a spawning site: Moss or spawning mops work well.
After spawning, remove the adults—yes, even these peaceful fish may snack on their own eggs.
Raising the Fry
- Feed infusoria or liquid fry food for the first few days.
- Provide the baby with brine shrimp as they grow.
- Maintain pristine water quality with gentle filtration.
How to Keep Ember Tetras Healthy
Just like with any pet, prevention is better than cure. While Ember Tetras are generally hardy, stress or poor conditions can lead to diseases.
Common Issues
- Ich: White spots and scratching behavior
- Fin rot: Fins look ragged or decaying
- Fungal infections: White, fuzzy patches on the body
To keep disease at bay:
- Quarantine new fish
- Perform regular water changes
- Avoid overfeeding
- Keep the tank clean
Want to level up your tank hygiene? Read our guide on how to deep clean your aquarium.
Maintaining Your Ember Tetra Aquarium
A healthy tank means happy fish. Regular maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore—it can even be meditative.
Weekly Tasks
- Check water parameters
- Do a 25% water change
- Remove uneaten food
- Wipe algae from glass
Monthly Tasks
- Clean filter media (gently!)
- Trim overgrown plants
- Inspect fish for signs of illness
Need a checklist? We’ve got you covered in our monthly aquarium maintenance guide.
Creating a Beautiful Aquascape for Ember Tetras
Aquascaping is part art, part science. Ember Tetras love planted tanks with places to hide and explore.
Aquascape ideas:
- Use black sand or dark substrates to make their color pop.
- Driftwood and leaf litter can be used for natural environments.
- Choose soft-leaved plants for comfort and coverage.
Pair them with gentle lighting and you’ll create an underwater world that’s both functional and breathtaking.
Explore more about aquascaping in decorating your tank the safe way.
Ember Tetras—Tiny But Mighty
Ember Tetras may be small in size, but they bring enormous value to any aquarium. Their bright colors, easy-going nature, and simple care requirements make them a joy for aquarists of all experience levels.
To recap:
- They thrive in warm, planted tanks with stable water conditions.
- Keep them in groups to reduce stress and boost their confidence.
- Feed them a balanced diet with occasional treats.
- Regular maintenance and good tank mates keep them happy and healthy.
So, if you’re dreaming of an aquarium that sparkles with life, Ember Tetras could be your perfect match.
And hey—if you’re looking for more fish care tips, be sure to visit our YouTube channel at IndoorAqua on YouTube. We share tutorials, tank tours, and expert advice to help you grow your aquatic hobby!
The Latest Tips and News straight to Your Inbox !
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Ember Tetras should I keep together?
You should keep at least 6 Ember Tetras together. They are schooling fish, so larger group will reduce stress.
2. Can Ember Tetras live with Betta fish?
Yes, in many cases. If your Betta has a calm temperament and enough space, they can coexist peacefully. Just monitor them closely at first. Learn more in our Betta tank mates guide.
3. What’s the best temperature for Ember Tetras?
The ideal range is between 73°F and 84°F. A reliable heater helps maintain this, especially in colder climates.
4. Are Ember Tetras good for beginners?
Absolutely! They’re hardy, peaceful, and low-maintenance—perfect for someone just starting out in the aquarium hobby.
5. Do Ember Tetras jump out of tanks?
They can, especially if startled or stressed. A tank lid or cover is a smart precaution to keep your fish safe.
