Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Ember Tetra is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of at least 8.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of at least 8Beginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Ember Tetra?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: 0.8" (2 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5–7
GH: 1–10 dGH
KH: 0–8 dKH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of at least 8

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: 3–5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 5–7, GH 1–10 dGH, KH 0–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ember Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Plant safe: Yes
Shrimp safe: Yes
Snail safe: Yes
Community safe: Yes
Beginner friendly: Yes
Aquascape fit: Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Feed crushed fine flakes, micropellets and small live/frozen invertebrates; avoid strong feeding competition.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of at least 8.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Araguaia river basin, Brazil.

Natural habitat: Small warm tributaries and vegetated margins with subdued light, fine plant cover and gentle current.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Intermediate.

A minimum group of six is too small for the best behaviour. The species remains close to 2 cm standard length and should not be paired with boisterous feeders.

Important notes

Requires very small food particles.
Do not keep in a very small group.
Avoid boisterous or predatory tank mates.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blueberry Tetra Hyphessobrycon wadai Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Ember Tetra get?

Ember Tetra reaches 0.8" (2 cm).

What aquarium size does Ember Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Ember Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Ember Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Ember Tetra?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Is Ember Tetra beginner friendly?

Ember Tetra can be a beginner-friendly choice when the aquarium is mature, stable, and matched to its adult size.