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Freshwater   Fishes

Ember tetra
(Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Ember tetra

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Hemigrammus amandae

Common name
Ember tetra
Amanda’s tetra
Dwarf red tetra
Red tetra
Fire tetra

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Brazil
Biotope: Amazonian

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

The bladder is visible by transparency: the bladder of the male is larger and more pointed than that of the female. Females also have more belly and are duller than the male

Group

Group

Characidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

50 L / 11 imp gal / 13 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 24 à 28°C or 75 to 82°F
pH: 5 to 7
Hardness: 3 to 10°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

2 to 3cm (0.8 to 1.2")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

2 to 3 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle and top

Individuals

sociability of the species

10 or more

Food

How to feed the Ember tetra?

Food

How to feed the Ember tetra?

The diet of the Ember tetra is not a problem in itself, since this fish is omnivorous. What is more difficult is the size of its mouth, which is tiny! The Tetra will accept all forms of food that will be offered to him, but pay attention to the size of its food.

For better health and a beautiful coloration, vary as much as possible its food (flake, bloodworms, artemia, granules...).

For adult fish, a single daily distribution will be enough to satisfy them.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Ember tetra have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Ember tetra have?

groupe of Ember tetra

Like many Tetra, this species is gregarious and should be considered for maintenance only in groups of 10 or more. This condition is imperative to see your fish manifest natural behavior and beautiful colors. In addition, they will form a very nice shoal, moving away from each other only rarely.

It has been observed that if they are alone in an aquarium, the Ember tetra tends to remain quietly on the spot. If other fish are associated with them, they will be much more active and swim much more.

It likes to hide and will enjoy finding many dark places in its aquarium.

You will often see him face down, which is its favorite position.

In breeding season, the male is adorned with its most beautiful colors and can be very enterprising with the females.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Ember tetra?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Ember tetra?

Particularly peaceful, this little fish does not pose any problem of particular cohabitation. In addition, it is especially popular to live in nano-aquarium, which usually contain shrimp. Well no worries on this side, Ember tetra does not eat shrimp (even juveniles)!

It is particularly recommended to maintain it with species of South America like the other Tetras, the Otocinclus, the Pygmy Corydoras, the Fish-pencils or the Apistogramma. In a non-specific aquarium, you can associate it with dwarf Gouramis or Microrasbora galaxy for example.

Of course, given its small size, avoid associating them with big fish that would make them their breakfast (Scalaires, Gouramis...).

Breeding

How to breed the Ember tetra?

Breeding

How to breed the Ember tetra?

The breeding of the Ember Tetra is quite easy and occurs spontaneously in an aquarium that suits him. The difficulty lies more in the survival of the fry than in triggering the spawning.

To keep a maximum of fry, you can dedicate an aquarium specially designed for breeding. You will sift strongly the lighting and place java foam that will serve as a support for laying (or equivalent, or mop). For water quality, set your parameters to a pH of 5 to 7, GH 1 to 5 and a temperature of 27 to 29°C or 81 to 84°F. To achieve these results, use peat filtration and osmosis water.

Introduce 5 females and 5 males at night (choose your larger females and more colorful males). Note that the breeding in couple is possible but requires a separation of the sexes in advance, which is not mandatory with a protocol including a group.

Spawning should take place the next morning. After spawning, immediately remove the parents from the breeding aquarium as they will not hesitate to eat their entire spawning.

The eggs incubate for 24 to 36 hours depending on the temperature. They need very little light.

After their birth, the fry swim freely after 3 to 4 days.

Fry food: nauplies of artemia and then infusoria.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Ember tetra?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Ember tetra?

In its natural habitat, Tetra Amandae lives in streams or tributaries with slow, dimly lit waters. The bottom is covered with dead leaves and tree branches, the water is slightly brown. This description of its natural environment probably reminds you of its typically Amazonian biotope. The Embezzles Tetra will therefore be particularly at home in an aquarium imitating this environment of life: strongly planted tank, roots, sandy and dark soil, carpet of dead leaves (catappa, beech or oak) and a peat filtration will be perfect.

However, this species adapts very well to variants of this habitat. However, it will be necessary to keep at least a dark substrate, a root and floating plants strongly sifting the light so that it feels safe (it will therefore require plant choices as a result of this low light).

The Ember Tetra is small, but quite active. It will require an aquarium of at least 50 liters or 11 Imp Gal or 13 US Gal so that it can spend its energy, with a length of frontage of at least 60 cm or 24 inch.

In general, avoid too much currents in your aquarium.

For the temperature, an ideal of 26°C or 79°F is to be expected, with a rather acidic water passing under the bar of 7 and quite soft (between 4 and 5°dGH ideally).

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Its color can vary greatly from pale orange (almost yellow) or bright red:

  • A rather yellow specimen
    yellow Hyphessobrycon amandae

  • A rather red specimen
    red Hyphessobrycon amandae

Robust and peaceful, this fish is perfect for a beginner aquarium hobbyist.

Yours photos!

Image utilisateur

By Encyclo-Caro

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