Flame tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
easy careOverview
The flame tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus), also known as the Von Rio tetra, is a small, hardy fish washed in warm red over the rear half of its body, with red fins to match. Peaceful, undemanding and adaptable, it is a classic beginner tetra that tolerates a wide range of conditions. In a planted tank with a proper shoal, its glowing colour makes a lovely, easy centrepiece.
Tank & water
A shoal is happy in 60 litres (15 gallons) or more. Priorities:
- Temperature: comfortable at 22–28 °C and tolerant of slightly cooler rooms; a heater adds stability.
- Water: adaptable at pH 5.5–7.5, with soft acidic water bringing out the deepest red.
- Gentle filtration: a filter with calm flow keeps water clean without buffeting them.
- Layout: a dark substrate and planted background make their red positively glow.
Feeding
Flame tetras are easy omnivores. Feed a quality flake or micro-pellet staple with regular frozen or live foods — daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp — to intensify colour. Small amounts once or twice a day, cleared quickly, keeps them healthy and the water clean. A varied diet with plenty of small live and frozen foods also conditions them for spawning, and well-fed males hold the deepest red across the rear of the body.
Tankmates
Peaceful and sociable, they suit a calm community: ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, cherry barbs, corydoras and small peaceful gouramis. Avoid large or aggressive fish. Keep a shoal of at least six — see best fish for a planted tank for more companions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Keeping too few, which leaves them shy and pale
- Bright, bare tanks that wash out their red
- Aggressive tankmates that outcompete them
- Adding them to an uncycled tank
Give flame tetras a planted tank and a proper group and they are one of the easiest, most rewarding red fish a beginner can keep.
Flame tetra — frequently asked questions
Are flame tetras good for beginners?
Very much so. Also called the Von Rio tetra, they are hardy, peaceful and adaptable to a wide range of water, tolerating slightly cooler tanks than many tetras. A cycled tank and a group of six-plus is all they need.
How do I make flame tetras redder?
Keep them in a good-sized group in soft, slightly acidic water with a dark substrate and planting, and feed colour-rich foods like frozen daphnia and brine shrimp. Stress and bright bare tanks wash out their red.
How many flame tetras should I keep?
At least six, and more if space allows. They are a shoaling fish that feels secure and displays best colour and behaviour in a group; too few leaves them shy and pale.
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