Description

Ember Tetra

A Comprehensive Guide:

Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a small, shoaling fish native to the clearwater streams and tributaries of central Brazil. They are a popular choice for nano and community aquariums due to their striking reddish-orange hue and calm nature. Their small size and active, schooling behaviour make them a delightful and visually dynamic addition to a planted tank.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: They are one of the smallest tetra species, reaching an adult size of only about 2 cm (just under an inch). Their body has a translucent, reddish-orange colour that becomes more intense with good water conditions and a proper diet.
• Temperament: Extremely peaceful and timid. They are not known to be fin-nippers and will not bother other fish. They can be easily intimidated by larger, more boisterous tank mates, so careful selection is key.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 2 to 4 years.

Aquarium Requirements

The Ember Tetra’s small size makes them ideal for smaller setups, but they still require a stable environment to thrive.

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 45 litres (10 gallons) is recommended for a school of 8 to 10 fish. Because they are a shoaling species, a larger tank is always better as it allows them to exhibit more natural behaviour.
• Water Parameters: They are most comfortable in soft, slightly acidic water, which mimics their natural habitat.
  • Temperature: 22∘C to 28∘C (72∘F to 82∘F)
  • pH: A range of $5.5$ to $7.0$ is ideal.
  • Hardness: They prefer soft water, with a dH of $5$ to $10$.
• Tank Setup: Ember Tetras feel most secure in a heavily planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and shaded areas. A dark substrate will help to bring out their vibrant colours. Use floating plants to provide subdued lighting and add some driftwood or dried leaves to release tannins, which will help to create a “blackwater” effect.

Diet and Feeding

The Ember Tetra is an omnivore with a very small mouth, so their diet must be tailored to their size.

• Diet: Offer a varied diet of high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and micro worms.
• Feeding: Feed them small amounts multiple times a day to ensure all fish get enough food.

Compatibility

As a timid species, it’s important to choose tank mates carefully to avoid stress and competition for food.

• Good Tank Mates: Peaceful species of a similar size are best. Good companions include other small tetras (like Neon Tetras or Black Skirt Tetras), Otocinclus catfish, Dwarf Corydoras, small Rasboras, and certain types of shrimp, such as Amano or Cherry Shrimp.
• Fish to Avoid: Avoid larger or aggressive fish like Angelfish, Barbs, or large Cichlids. Anything that could see the Ember Tetras as a snack should be avoided.