Flame Tetra

Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Characiformes›Characidae

📍 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Classic community tetra also known as the Von Rio Tetra. Bright orange-red rear body and fins. Hardy, colourful, and beginner-friendly.

Size1.6"

Min Tank10g

School6+

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Flame Tetras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach supports digestive health.

Behavior

Flame Tetras are active, peaceful schooling fish that display their vibrant coloration best when kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They occupy the mid-water column and are constantly in motion, creating dynamic movement in the aquarium. They are non-aggressive toward other peaceful species and rarely nip fins despite their small size.

Breeding

Breeding Flame Tetras in captivity is moderately difficult and requires separate breeding tanks with fine-leaved plants, soft acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), and temperatures around 26-28°C. Females scatter eggs among plants, and parents should be removed immediately after spawning as they will eat the fry. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week before accepting micro foods.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Similar size, water parameters, and peaceful temperament; excellent community fish

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible temperature and pH requirements

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small shrimp that occupy different ecological niches; may predate on shrimplets

good

Otocinclus

Algae-eating bottom-dweller that thrives in same warm, slightly acidic conditions

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and avoid sharp decorations

Neon Tetra Disease

Symptoms

Loss of coloration, spinal curvature, erratic swimming, lethargy, progressive wasting

Treatment

No cure exists; isolate affected fish to prevent spread, maintain pristine water conditions, consider euthanasia if severely affected; focus on prevention through quarantine

Columnaris (Cotton Mouth Disease)

Symptoms

White cottony growth on mouth and gills, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, rapid gill movement

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform daily 50% water changes, use antibacterial medication or salt baths; maintain temperature at 24-26°C and ensure excellent water quality