If you’re looking for a fish that brings warmth and movement to your nano aquarium, let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorites: the Ember Tetra. After breeding these little gems for over six years, I can confidently say they’re perfect for small tanks, and watching a school of them is like having a living flame dancing through your aquascape. These tiny fish pack a serious visual punch, and today I’m going to share everything you need to know about keeping them happy and healthy.

The Ember Tetra has become increasingly popular in the nano aquarium hobby, and for good reason. They’re peaceful, hardy, and their vibrant orange-red coloration intensifies beautifully when they’re well-cared for. Whether you’re a beginner starting your first 5-gallon setup or an experienced aquarist looking to add some color to a planted nano tank, these fish deserve serious consideration. Let’s dive into what makes them special and how to give them the best possible care.

What Are Ember Tetras? Getting to Know Them

Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae) are tiny freshwater fish native to the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. They were discovered relatively recently in the aquarium trade, first described in 1987, which makes them newcomers compared to many other tetra species. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving waters with dense vegetation, leaf litter, and tannin-stained water. Adult Embers typically reach only 0.6 to 0.8 inches (15-20mm) in length, making them ideal candidates for nano aquariums as small as 5 gallons, though I personally recommend at least 10 gallons for a proper school.

What really sets Ember Tetras apart is their stunning coloration. When healthy and comfortable, they display a brilliant orange-red hue that intensifies from their mid-section through their tail. Males tend to be slightly more colorful and slimmer than females, especially during breeding season. These fish are incredibly peaceful and do best in groups of at least 8-10 individuals. In my experience, keeping them in larger schools of 15 or more really brings out their natural schooling behavior and reduces stress. They’re also compatible with other peaceful nano fish like Chili Rasboras, small Corydoras species, and various shrimp.

Setting Up the Perfect Tank for Your Embers

Creating the ideal environment for Ember Tetras isn’t complicated, but attention to detail makes all the difference. Water parameters should remain stable with a temperature between 73-84°F (23-29°C), though I’ve found they thrive best around 76-78°F. pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, with soft to moderately hard water (5-15 dGH). The key word here is stability. These fish tolerate a range of conditions, but sudden fluctuations will stress them and dull their coloration. I use a reliable heater and test my water weekly to maintain consistency.

When it comes to tank setup, think about replicating their natural habitat. Here’s what works best:

1. Substrate: Fine sand or small gravel, preferably darker colors to make their orange coloration pop
2. Plants: Dense vegetation including floating plants to diffuse light. Java moss, Amazon swords, and Cryptocoryne species work wonderfully
3. Hardscape: Driftwood and leaf litter (Indian almond leaves are perfect) to release beneficial tannins
4. Filtration: Gentle flow, as Embers aren’t strong swimmers. A sponge filter or adjustable hang-on-back filter works great
5. Lighting: Moderate to low lighting. Too bright and they’ll appear washed out and stressed

I always add plenty of hiding spots and plant coverage. When Embers feel secure, they’ll actually spend more time out in the open, displaying their best colors. A well-planted tank with dark substrate and some floating plants creates the perfect stage for these little performers.

Feeding Your Ember Tetras the Right Way

Feeding Ember Tetras properly is crucial for bringing out their vibrant coloration and maintaining their health. In the wild, they’re micropredators, feeding on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and zooplankton. In captivity, they readily accept quality prepared foods, but variety is essential. I’ve experimented with countless foods over the years, and I can tell you that diet directly impacts their color intensity and breeding readiness.

High-quality nano fish food specifically formulated for small species makes a huge difference. I (of coarse) personally use Nano Fish Food Grow Up Meal as a staple, and I’ve noticed significant improvements in coloration and overall vitality since switching to it. The particle size is perfect for their tiny mouths, and it contains the protein and natural color enhancers these fish need. Beyond prepared foods, I supplement with:

• Live or frozen baby brine shrimp (2-3 times weekly)
• Daphnia (excellent for digestion)
• Micro worms (great for conditioning breeders)
• High-quality micro pellets or flakes
• Occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini (finely chopped)

Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, only what they can consume in about 2 minutes. Overfeeding is one of the biggest mistakes I see with nano tanks. The small water volume means waste accumulates quickly, leading to water quality issues. I like to have one fasting day per week to give their digestive systems a break and allow me to thoroughly vacuum the substrate.

Breeding Ember Tetras: Tips for Success

Breeding Ember Tetras in captivity is absolutely achievable, even for intermediate aquarists. Unlike some egg-scattering tetras, Embers don’t immediately eat all their eggs, though they will snack on them if given the chance. The key to successful breeding is conditioning the adults with high-quality foods and creating the right environmental triggers. I’ve successfully bred them in both dedicated breeding tanks and community setups, though a separate breeding tank yields better fry survival rates.

To condition breeding pairs, separate males and females for about a week and feed them heavily with protein-rich foods like baby brine shrimp and quality nano fish food. During this time, females will become noticeably rounder. Set up a breeding tank (even a 5-gallon works) with the following specifications:

Breeding Tank Setup:

• Water temperature: 80-82°F
• pH: 6.5-6.8
• Very soft water (2-5 dGH)
• Dim lighting
• Java moss or spawning mops
• Sponge filter with gentle flow
• No substrate (makes egg collection easier)

Introduce the conditioned pair in the evening. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning, with the female scattering 50-150 tiny eggs among plants or on the tank bottom. The eggs are translucent and adhesive. After spawning, remove the adults immediately to prevent egg predation. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours at 80°F, and the fry become free-swimming after another 3-4 days. Feed infusoria or commercial fry food for the first week, then transition to freshly hatched baby brine shrimp. The fry grow slowly but steadily, reaching juvenile coloration at about 6-8 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ember Tetras

How many Ember Tetras should I keep together?
Minimum 8-10 individuals, but 15 or more creates a much more impressive display and keeps them less stressed. In my 10-gallon tank, I maintain a school of 20, and their schooling behavior is spectacular.

Can Ember Tetras live with shrimp?
Absolutely! They’re one of the best fish for shrimp tanks. They won’t bother adult Neocaridina or Caridina shrimp, though they might occasionally snack on shrimplets. I keep them successfully with Cherry Shrimp colonies.

Why are my Ember Tetras pale?
Pale coloration usually indicates stress, poor water quality, or inadequate diet. Check your water parameters, ensure proper schooling numbers, add more plants for cover, and upgrade their food quality. The transformation can happen within days once conditions improve.

What’s the lifespan of Ember Tetras?
With proper care, they typically live 2-4 years. I’ve had some individuals reach nearly 5 years in optimal conditions with excellent water quality and varied diet.

Do Ember Tetras need a heater?
Yes, definitely. They’re tropical fish requiring stable temperatures between 73-84°F. Even in warm climates, a heater prevents temperature fluctuations that can stress fish.

Can Ember Tetras live in a 5-gallon tank?
While possible, I recommend 10 gallons minimum for a proper school. A 5-gallon severely limits the number you can keep and doesn’t provide adequate swimming space for active schooling behavior.

Conclusion: Why Ember Tetras Deserve a Spot in Your Nano Tank

After years of working with dozens of nano fish species, Ember Tetras remain among my top recommendations for small aquariums. Their combination of brilliant coloration, peaceful temperament, and relatively easy care requirements makes them accessible to beginners while remaining interesting enough for experienced aquarists to enjoy. They bring life and movement to planted tanks in a way few other nano species can match.

The investment in quality care, from proper tank setup to nutritious food like specialized nano fish formulas, pays dividends in their health, color, and behavior. Whether you’re creating a single-species biotope or a peaceful community tank, these little flames from Brazil will reward your efforts with years of enjoyment. Start with a good-sized school, maintain stable water conditions, feed them well, and you’ll understand why so many nano aquarium enthusiasts, myself included, are absolutely captivated by Hyphessobrycon amandae. Trust me, once you see a school of healthy Embers glowing against a backdrop of green plants, you’ll be hooked on these fiery little gems forever.