Ember Tetra

Ember Tetra is a popular freshwater fish, highly sought-after by fish hobbyists because of its striking appearance, as well as a peaceful, friendly, and adaptable nature. These friendly fishes enjoy moving in big groups, even when kept in an aquarium. It was first described by German fish explorer Heiko Bleher in 1987, and was named after his mother Amanda.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Hyphessobrycon amandae
Other Names	Amanda tetra, red tetra, dwarf red tetra, fire tetra
Origin	Araguaia River Basin, and other parts of Central Brazil
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded
Behavioral Characteristics	Playful, active, peaceful, adaptable, curious
School Size	4 – 6
Physical Traits	Bright-colored; small-sized; slightly elongated body compressed a little to the back; small, thin dorsal fin; large caudal fin; a single anal fin which is merged
Scale Texture	Compact and closely-knit giving them a transparent look
Colors	Bright orange or reddish-brown; distinct black outline around the eyes, and a blackish gray layer on its dorsal and anal fins
Size	Small; overall length of about 0.8 inches (2 cm)
Lifespan	2 – 3 years (longer if well-maintained)
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males: Bright coloration, distinctly elongated body, smaller abdomen; Females: Slightly light coloration, rounder body, oblate abdomen appearing bigger during the breeding period
Health Problems	Parasitic disease resulting in white dots on their skin, alongside digestive problems; black spot disease
Approximate Price	Around 12$

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Beginner
Tank Size	5 US gallons (20 liters)

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.5 – 7.5 (water must be acidic)
Temperature	73 – 84°F (23 – 29°C)
Hardness	5 – 17 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Low

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Low, dimmed, subdued
Substrate Type	Dark-colored substrate involving thin leaves and Java moss; glass marbles, grass matting
Preferred Tank Mates	Compatible with: Neon tetra, pygmy corydoras,  dwarf gourami,  betta, cardinal tetra, discuss,  harlequin rasbora, barbs, red cherry shrimp, hatchet fish, other ember tetras  Incompatible with: Larger, aggressive aquarium fish like rainbow shark, tiger oscar
Suitable Position in the Tank	Middle

Diet

Feeding	Granules, flakes or other dry foods; live foods like brine shrimp and worms (like daphnia)
Frequency	3 times a day

Important Things To Know For Fish Keepers

• This tetra is rarely available in pet stores, so you may have to directly  contact breeders or those who deal in fish trade to acquire them.
• Like most freshwater fish, they too show sensitivity towards sudden change in water temperature or lighting in the tank.
• Restlessness, loss of body color, bloated stomach, and having trouble in swimming are some indicators of a sick ember tetra.
• Since these tetras occupy the middle portion of the aquarium, other fishes thriving in the bottom layer would serve as great tank mates for them.
• A heavily planted aquarium is ideal for the ember tetra since it would help them swim through the plants conveniently, also protecting their fry.
• For many colorful aquarium fishes, a carnivorous diet alongside flakes and granules helps to retain their color. So, your ember tetra’s fiery red body might eventually turn pale if it only has commercial fish food.