Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae, also known as the Ember Tetra, originally comes from South America, where it is native to the flood zones of Brazilian rivers. Characteristic and eponymous for the Ember Tetra, which grows up to 2cm in size, is the transparent red-orange body coloring, which seems to glow.

Care in the Aquarium

To care for the Ember Tetra, we recommend an aquarium that holds at least 70 liters or has an edge length of at least 60cm. Soft, fairly acidic and clear water is ideal for keeping this tetra. Subdued light and dense edge planting, which however leaves enough free swimming space, as well as large-leaved floating plants offer the Ember Tetra a feeling of security and opportunities to retreat. The tetra is a schooling fish that should be kept together with at least 10 members of its species. Without enough companions, it quickly becomes shy and is visibly stressed. This absolutely peaceful fish can also be socialized with other peaceful, small fish.

Feeding

Small live food is ideal for the Ember Tetra and corresponds to its natural diet, but as an omnivore (omnivore) it can be fed a variety of different types of food in the appropriate size.

Sexual characteristics and breeding

The male Ember Tetra is slimmer and, at around 1.5 cm, remains slightly smaller than the fuller female, which grows up to 2 cm long. Breeding Hyphessobrycon amandae is considered difficult and requires soft, rather acidic and, above all, low-nitrate water (GH <5, pH <6.5). This tetra is a free-spawner, so the eggs are released and fertilized freely between preferably fine-feathered plants or mosses. Since this species is a spawning predator and does not stop at its own offspring, there should be a separate breeding tank from which the parents are removed immediately after spawning. The first feeding of the young fish, which hatch after about 1-2 days, takes place after about 3-4 days (after the yolk sac has been consumed) with the smallest food such as dust food or infusoria.