Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

Also known as: Fire tetra

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 5–7
• Hardness: 18–179 ppm

Care Summary

A brilliant orange-red micro-tetra that has rapidly become one of the most popular nano-tank species in the hobby. Smaller than neon tetras and equally striking when kept in a school of 10 or more under low light against dark substrate. Hardy when adapted but sensitive to sudden parameter swings and to bright open tanks — performs best in planted, dim, mature setups. An excellent first schooling fish for keepers of small tanks, and one of the few fish small enough to be a genuine non-threat to adult shrimp.

Tankmates

An exceptionally peaceful nano-tank species that schools tightly in groups of 8 or more. Small enough to be ignored by most peaceful tankmates and small enough to be safe with adult cherry shrimp (unlike larger tetras that will eat shrimp fry). One of the best community fish for tanks under 75L. Prefers soft, slightly acidic blackwater habitat; thrives in densely planted tanks with subdued lighting.

Compatible with

• Neon Tetra
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Bronze Corydoras
• Cherry Shrimp
• Otocinclus
• Mystery Snail
• Honey Gourami

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Angelfish Adult
• Fin Nippers
• Large Cichlids

Common Problems

• pale colour in small groups or bright tanks
• ich
• sensitivity to parameter swings
• stress in newly set-up tanks

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-03