Why has my Flame Tetra lost its colour?

Colour loss is usually a sign of stress. This can be caused by poor water quality, bullying from tankmates, inadequate diet, or a lack of hiding spaces. They also naturally fade to a silvery colour at night while resting.

How many Flame Tetras should I keep together?

They are a highly social shoaling species and should be kept in a minimum group of six. Keeping a larger group of 8 to 10 or more will result in a more natural display and reduce any shyness.

Are Flame Tetras fin nippers?

No, Flame Tetras are generally very peaceful and do not have a reputation for fin-nipping, making them safe companions for fish with longer fins.

Can Flame Tetras live with shrimp?

Adult dwarf shrimp like Cherry Shrimp are usually perfectly safe. However, Flame Tetras are opportunistic feeders and may eat tiny, newly hatched shrimplets if they catch them in the open.

Why is it sometimes called the Von Rio Tetra?

The alternative common name 'Von Rio Tetra' refers to its native geographical range, which is restricted to the river drainages in and around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Flame Tetra

Hyphessobrycon flammeus

A hardy, vividly coloured, and peaceful shoaling fish, the Flame Tetra is an ideal choice for beginner community aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 3 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 2.5 – 4 cm
60L for a small shoal: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: gentle to moderate
Preferred setup: Planted aquarium with dark substrate, driftwood, and open swimming space.

About the Flame Tetra

The Flame Tetra, also widely known as the Von Rio Tetra, is a staple of the aquarium hobby cherished for its fiery red and orange hues. Originating from the coastal streams of Rio de Janeiro, this small characin is highly adaptable and thrives in densely planted setups. Despite being heavily bred in captivity to supply global demand, their wild populations face severe threats from habitat loss and urban sprawl.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Flame Tetra against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Flame Tetra comes from

Native range

Coastal drainages of Rio de Janeiro

Countries / regions

Brazil

Habitat

Slow-moving, shallow creeks, tributaries, and backwaters with dense overhanging vegetation.

Highly endangered in its native range due to urbanisation and pollution, but sustained in the hobby through commercial breeding.

Similar species

Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that occupy a different swimming zone and will not bother the tetras.
Great
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Similarly sized, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in identical water conditions.
Great
Otocinclus
Otocinclus spp.
Gentle algae-eaters that are entirely safe to keep with small tetras.
Great
Dwarf Cichlids
Apistogramma spp.
Generally fine, but cichlids may become territorial towards lower-swimming tetras during breeding.
Compatible with caution
Neocaridina Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Adults are usually safe, but newborn shrimplets may be opportunistic snacks for the tetras.
Compatible with caution
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Adult Angelfish can easily predate on small, laterally compressed tetras like the Flame Tetra.
Not recommended
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Tiger Barbs are overly boisterous and prone to nipping the fins of smaller, timid tankmates.
Not recommended

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