Flame tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 60 L
- Maximum size
- 4 cm
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 6
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The flame tetra comes from the region around Rio de Janeiro and has a silvery front half that turns a warm orange-red towards the rear. In the wild the species declined badly through urbanisation; the fish in the trade are captive bred.
It is small, tough and tolerates cooler temperatures, which makes it an excellent beginner's tetra. Keep it in a school over a dark substrate with planting; in a bare, brightly lit tank its colour stays far behind.
Related species
Keep Flame tetra in the BlubHub app
Add this species to your inhabitants, with count and photos, and see the care info next to your own water values, target bands and reminders. Free, no account, everything on your own device.
Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.