Learn everything about Ember Tetra care — from tank setup, diet, and tank mates to lifespan and breeding. A complete guide to keeping these glowing freshwater fish happy and healthy!
If you’ve ever stopped to admire a school of shimmering orange fish gliding gracefully through a planted aquarium, chances are you were looking at Ember Tetras. These tiny gems add warmth and motion to any freshwater setup, making them one of my all-time favorites for peaceful community tanks.
Short answer: Ember Tetras are small, hardy, and easy to care for, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
I remember the first time I added a school of ten to my 20-gallon planted tank — within hours, the entire aquarium felt alive. Their gentle movements and fiery glow are hypnotic.
What Makes Ember Tetras So Special?
Native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil, Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae) thrive in warm, slow-moving waters dense with vegetation. In captivity, they adapt beautifully, but only if you recreate their natural environment.
Short answer: The secret to healthy Ember Tetras is mimicking their native tropical habitat — warm, clean, and full of plant cover.
Their glowing orange-red color pops beautifully against green plants and dark substrates. When kept in groups of 8 or more, they exhibit fascinating schooling behavior that’s both relaxing and mesmerizing to watch.
Ember Tetra Tank Setup
Setting up the right environment is essential for longevity and vibrant color.
Quick Answer: A planted 15–20 gallon tank, stable warm temperature, and gentle filtration make the perfect Ember Tetra home.
Ideal Tank Size
Though tiny (under 1 inch each), Ember Tetras need swimming room.
A 15-gallon minimum is ideal for a small school. If you plan to mix them with other peaceful fish, go for a 20–30 gallon tank.
Water Conditions
- Temperature: 73°F–82°F
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- Hardness: 5–17 dGH
A reliable heater and digital thermometer are must-haves to maintain consistent water conditions.
Filtration and Flow
Use a gentle sponge filter or a canister filter with an adjustable outlet. Ember Tetras dislike strong currents — think calm riverbanks, not rapids.
Decor and Plants
Ember Tetras love cover. Add driftwood, live plants like Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon sword, and maybe a dark substrate to bring out their colors. Floating plants help diffuse light — a bonus for their comfort.
Ember Tetra Diet: Small Fish, Big Appetite!
Short answer: Feed a mix of quality flakes, micro pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods to keep Ember Tetras thriving.
Though small, Ember Tetras are active eaters. I’ve noticed that variety makes their colors brighter and their behavior livelier.
Ideal Foods:
- Staple: High-quality micro pellets like Hikari Micro Pellets are great. To purchase some of your own, click here.
- Treats: Daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms (frozen or live).
- Vegetable Boost: Blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods once a week.
Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day, only what they consume in a couple of minutes. Overfeeding quickly pollutes the tank.
Ember Tetra Tank Mates
Ember Tetras are peaceful but tiny — so tank mates must be chosen carefully.
Short answer: Ideal tank mates are other small, peaceful fish that won’t see them as food.
Great Companions:
- Corydoras Catfish – calm and bottom-dwelling.
- Neon or Cardinal Tetras – similar size and temperament.
- Harlequin Rasboras – visually striking, peaceful swimmers.
- Shrimp or Snails – fun cleanup crew additions.
Avoid:
Large or aggressive species like barbs, cichlids, or bettas. Even a curious fish can stress out a school of Embers.
Ember Tetra Size and Life Span
Short answer: Ember Tetras grow to about 0.8 inches and live up to 4 years with proper care.
They stay small their whole lives, which makes them great for nano aquariums. In optimal conditions — clean water, steady diet, and minimal stress — they easily reach 3–4 years, sometimes longer.
Types of Ember Tetra
Technically, there’s just one species, Hyphessobrycon amandae, but hobbyists often distinguish variations by shade and hue — from fiery red to tangerine-orange.
Differences usually result from genetics and diet rather than separate breeds.
Breeding Ember Tetras: A Delicate Process
Short answer: Ember Tetras can breed in captivity, but you’ll need patience, fine foods, and gentle handling.
They’re egg scatterers, meaning they release eggs randomly over fine plants or moss. To encourage breeding:
- Use a separate 10-gallon breeding tank.
- Slightly raise temperature (80–82°F).
- Add fine plants like Java moss.
- Feed adults live food to trigger spawning.
After spawning, remove adults — they may eat the eggs. Fry hatch in about 2–3 days and can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Common Ember Tetra Health Issues
Short answer: Maintain clean water and stable conditions to prevent disease.
Common issues include:
- Fin rot – from poor water quality.
- Ich (white spots) – often from temperature fluctuations.
- Stress – from overcrowding or strong current.
Regular water changes (25% weekly) and observation go a long way. I’ve found that consistency, more than anything, keeps these fish healthy.
My Personal Ember Tetra Story
When I first introduced Ember Tetras to my planted tank, I underestimated their personality. Within days, they became the soul of my aquarium — active yet peaceful, always exploring.
Watching them dart between plant leaves feels like tiny sparks dancing in water. Their presence transformed a simple setup into a living piece of art — proof that small fish can make a big impression.
🧭 Summary / Quick Reference Card
Ember Tetra Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
- Size: ~0.8 inches
- Lifespan: 2–4 years
- Tank Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperature: 73°F–82°F
- pH Range: 5.5–7.0
- Diet: Omnivore – micro pellets, flakes, and live foods
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish
- Best Tank Mates: Small peaceful species
- Breeding: Egg scatterer
🧡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are Ember Tetras good for beginners?
Yes! They’re hardy, peaceful, and easy to feed — perfect for new aquarists.
2. How many Ember Tetras should be kept together?
Keep at least 8–10. They’re schooling fish and feel safe in groups.
3. What is the best tank size for Ember Tetras?
A 15–20 gallon tank works well for a small school with plants and decor.
4. Can Ember Tetras live with bettas?
It’s risky — bettas may nip or stress them. If attempted, ensure plenty of hiding spots and watch interactions closely.
5. How do I make their colors brighter?
Provide a varied diet, darker substrate, and gentle lighting. Good food like Hikari Micro Pellets enhances color naturally.
Final Thoughts
Caring for Ember Tetras is like keeping a little slice of the Amazon in your living room. They’re easy to love, simple to care for, and endlessly rewarding to watch.
Whether you’re setting up your first community tank or adding life to an existing one, these fiery little fish deliver a peaceful charm that few others can match.
Short answer: Ember Tetra care is straightforward — keep them warm, fed, and in good company, and they’ll glow like tiny embers for years.