Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Family: Characidae

A peaceful omnivore characidae from the Araguaia basin of Brazil — beginner-friendly.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 1.4–2 cm
Minimum tank: 20 L
Water layer: Mid-water swimmer; keep 8+
Difficulty: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: 南美洲巴西阿拉瓜亚河流域

Species overview

Hyphessobrycon amandae of the family Characidae is an aquarium-kept Characidae. Peaceful and omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety, it grows to 1.4–2 cm and prefers 24–28 °C water. Other Hyphessobrycon species in our database include Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi, Hyphessobrycon eques, Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow: Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂: Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape: Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants: Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Keep 8+; larger groups settle better
Diet: Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Ember Tetra easy to keep?

Difficulty: easy. Peaceful. Keep 8+; larger groups settle better.

What temperature and water chemistry does Ember Tetra need?

Aim for 24–28 °C. Heater required for stable tropical warmth; 24–28 °C recorded range.

How big does Ember Tetra get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 1.4–2 cm; it is mid-water swimmer; keep 8+. Plan for at least 20 litres.

What does Ember Tetra eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Ember Tetra live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep 8+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Ember Tetra come from?

Native to 南美洲巴西阿拉瓜亚河流域, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Moderate flow; Average oxygen needs.

How does Ember Tetra breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.