EMBER TETRA

The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a small, peaceful, and vibrant freshwater fish known for its bright orange-red coloration. Native to slow-moving rivers and streams of the Araguaia River Basin in Brazil, Ember Tetras are popular among aquarists for their schooling behavior and relatively easy care. Here’s a comprehensive guide to caring for Ember Tetras:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school of Ember Tetras (6-10 individuals). Larger tanks (20+ gallons) are ideal if you're planning on keeping a larger school or adding other species.
• Aquascape: Ember Tetras thrive in heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. Live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Amazon swords are perfect choices. Adding driftwood and leaf litter will help recreate their natural environment and offer additional hiding spaces.
• Substrate: A dark-colored substrate (like sand or fine gravel) can enhance their vibrant orange coloration.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is recommended. Bright lighting should be diffused by plants to create a comfortable environment for these fish, as they can become stressed in overly bright conditions.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Ember Tetras prefer warmer water, between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Use a heater to maintain a stable temperature.
• pH: They do well in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A stable pH is important to avoid stressing the fish.
• Hardness: These tetras prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 5-12 dGH.
• Water Quality: Ember Tetras are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular water changes (20% weekly) and good filtration are important to maintain water quality.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow hang-on-back filter. Ember Tetras do not like strong currents, so make sure the water flow is gentle.
• Water Flow: Gentle water flow is preferred, as they come from slow-moving waters in their natural habitat.

Feeding

• Diet: Ember Tetras are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. Provide a high-quality micro pellet or flake food as their staple diet, and supplement with small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms. They also appreciate finely chopped vegetables like spinach or spirulina-based foods.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 1-2 times a day. Be sure to feed only what they can eat in a couple of minutes to avoid overfeeding and maintain water quality.