The Ember Tetra (scientific name: Hyphessobrycon amandae) stands as a vibrant jewel in any aquarium, celebrated for its fiery orange-red coloration and lively demeanor. Originating from the clear, slow-moving waters of South America, the Ember Tetra available in the aquarium trade are predominantly captive-bred, ensuring consistent coloration and patterns that enhance the beauty of any aquatic environment.
Characterized by their small size and intense orange-red hue, Ember Tetras typically reach lengths of around 0.8 inches, making them an ideal choice for small aquariums. When creating a habitat for these tetras, providing ample hiding spots among aquarium plants and aquarium driftwood is recommended, as they appreciate a densely planted environment mimicking their natural habitat.
In the wild, Ember Tetras inhabit shaded areas of streams and tributaries with slow currents. Recreating these conditions in the aquarium with subdued lighting and gentle water flow contributes to their overall well-being. Additionally, ensure the tank has a tight-fitting lid to prevent potential jumps, as these fish may occasionally explore the surface.
Despite their peaceful nature, Ember Tetras may display schooling behavior, particularly when kept in groups of six or more. Therefore, it’s advisable to house them with similarly-sized and peaceful tankmates to encourage natural behaviors and minimize stress.
What You Can Expect From This Fish:
- Vibrant orange-red coloration with a shimmering effect
- Compact size suitable for small aquariums
- Schooling behavior, especially in groups
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Temperature: 73° – 82°F (23° – 28°C)
- pH: 5.5 – 7.0
- Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Omnivorous; accepts a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and live options. Offer a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition and vibrant coloration.
- Social behavior: Peaceful and social; best kept in groups of six or more.
- Origin: South America; predominantly captive-bred
- Average adult size: Up to 0.8 inches
- Average purchase size: 0.5 – 0.75 inches
FAQs:
Are Ember Tetra hardy?
Ember tetras are considered hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for beginner and experienced aquarists alike. They thrive in well-maintained aquariums with stable water conditions.
How many ember tetras in 10 gallons?
In a 10-gallon tank, you can keep a small school of ember tetras. A recommended guideline is around 8 to 10 ember tetras, provided the tank is well-filtered and adequately maintained.
Will Ember Tetra eat baby freshwater shrimp?
Ember tetras are generally peaceful and small, making them unlikely to prey on adult shrimp. However, they may eat baby shrimp if not enough hiding places or vegetation is available to protect them.