Ember Tetra: Species Profile

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
• Family: Characidae
• Origin: Brazil
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish
• Tank Level: Middle regions
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Breeding Method: Egg layer
• Care Level: Beginner-friendly
• Preferred pH Range: 5.0 to 7.0
• Water Hardness: 5 to 17 dGH
• Temperature Range: 73 to 84°F (23 to 29°C)

Origin and Distribution

The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is native to the Araguaia River basin in central Brazil. They inhabit slow-moving tributaries and densely vegetated areas, providing ample cover and food sources.

Colors and Markings

Ember Tetras are known for their vibrant orange to reddish hues, which can intensify under optimal conditions. Their translucent fins often exhibit a slight reddish tint, and their small size, typically around 0.8 inches, makes them a striking addition to nano and community aquariums.

Tankmates

Due to their peaceful nature, Ember Tetras are excellent additions to community aquariums. Compatible tankmates include:

• Other small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, and guppies
• Corydoras catfish
• Dwarf gouramis
• Small, peaceful invertebrates like shrimp

It’s advisable to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species that may exhibit territorial behavior or view them as prey.

Care

Ember Tetras are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Key care considerations include:

• Tank Setup: Provide a well-planted aquarium with open areas for swimming. Incorporate driftwood and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots. A dark substrate can enhance their coloration.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions within the preferred ranges. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.
• Group Size: Keep them in groups of at least six to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Diet and Feeding

As omnivores, Ember Tetras thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality flake or micro-pellet foods formulated for tropical fish.
• Supplements: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer small amounts multiple times a day, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Gender Differences

Females are generally slightly larger and have a more rounded abdomen, especially when carrying eggs, while males tend to be more slender and may display more intense coloration during breeding periods.

Breeding

Breeding Ember Tetras in captivity is achievable with proper conditions:

• Breeding Tank: Set up a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a temperature around 80°F (27°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg deposition.
• Spawning: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. The female will scatter eggs among the plants, and the male will fertilize them.
• Post-Spawning: Remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. Eggs typically hatch within 24 to 36 hours.
• Fry Care: Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Further Research

For more detailed information on Ember Tetra care, breeding techniques, and tank setups, consider exploring specialized aquarium literature or consulting with experienced aquarists.

FAQ

How long do Ember Tetras live? With proper care, they can live between 2 to 4 years.

Can Ember Tetras be kept with shrimp? Yes, they are generally safe to keep with small, peaceful shrimp species.

Do Ember Tetras require a heater? Maintaining a stable temperature within their preferred range is essential for their health, so a heater may be necessary depending on ambient conditions.

This profile provides an overview of Ember Tetras, highlighting their care requirements and characteristics to assist aquarists in maintaining a healthy and vibrant aquarium.