Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a tiny, glowing ember-orange nano fish that lights up a planted aquarium like floating coals. Peaceful and beginner-friendly, it shoals in the middle of the tank and shows its richest color over dark substrate among live plants. Reaching only about 0.8 inch, a tight group of these little jewels brings warm movement and color to any nano or community setup.

Pair them with the rest of our freshwater livestock and live aquarium plants to build a vibrant, ember-lit display.

Care Guide

• Keep them in a group. Ember Tetras are shoaling fish. Start with at least 8 to 10, and they color up and behave more naturally in larger groups.
• Tank size: A 10 gallon (or larger) aquarium is plenty. Longer tanks give them open mid-water to school.
• Water parameters: Temperature 73 to 84°F, pH 5.5 to 7.0, soft to moderately soft water. They love slightly acidic, tannin-stained "blackwater" conditions but adapt well to most stable community tanks.
• Aquascape: Live plants, driftwood, and a darker substrate make their orange glow pop and give them the cover they prefer. Floating plants soften the lighting and help them feel secure.
• Feeding: They are micro-predators with tiny mouths. Offer small or crushed flakes, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods like baby brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once or twice daily.

Specifications

Compatibility

Ember Tetras are gentle community fish that do not nip fins and stay out of trouble. House them with other small, peaceful species and avoid large or aggressive tank mates that might see them as a snack. Great companions include:

• Galaxy Rasbora (Celestial Pearl Danio)
• Clown Killifish
• Amano Shrimp and dwarf Neocaridina shrimp (adult shrimp are safe; tiny shrimplets may be eaten)
• Other small, peaceful tetras, rasboras, and dwarf corydoras

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Seachem NutriDiet Tropical Flakes (crush lightly for their small mouths)
• Hikari Vibra Bites for variety and natural feeding response
• Java Moss and Anubias for cover and grazing surfaces
• Red Root Floater or Frogbit to diffuse lighting and bring out their color

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Ember Tetras should I keep?
At least 8 to 10. They are shoaling fish, and a larger group means brighter color, more natural behavior, and less shyness.

Are they good for beginners?
Yes. Ember Tetras are hardy and adaptable once your tank is cycled and stable. Just keep water parameters steady and avoid sudden swings.

Will they fit my regular fish food?
Their mouths are very small, so crush flakes or use micro pellets and small frozen foods like baby brine shrimp. Variety keeps their color rich.

Are they safe with shrimp?
Adult dwarf shrimp like Amano and Neocaridina are generally safe. Ember Tetras may pick off newborn shrimplets, so provide plenty of moss and cover if you want shrimp to breed.