Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Flame Tetra - Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 9/10
Area of tank: Middle
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8.5, vs,s,m,h
Temperature: 22 - 28C
Feeding: Flake, frozen, small live foods
Minimum tank size: 60cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 5

Fish fact file

Family: Characidae (Characins)
Synonyms: Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus, H. callistus rubrostigma, H. rubrostigma
Other common names: Red Tetra, Red Rio
Origin: South America; Brazil; Coastal rivers
Natural habitat:
Size: 4cm
Behavior: Peaceful, shoaling, timid
Breeding: Egg scatterer
Natural water conditions: pH 5.6 - 8, very soft to hard water
Sexing: Males are brighter with a more red anal fin, females larger bodied with lighter or red-yellow anal fin.

Fish code No.0940

Recently Viewed fish: Flame Tetra

The Flame Tetra is an attractive little shoaling fish which should do well in most community aquariums. These are small fish, and can be timid so keeping in groups is essential. Provide hiding spots and vegetation, and keep with peaceful tankmates. As with other small characins, these fish do not like continual bright light so shaded areas should be available. Many breeders will 'colour feed' these fish, which enhances their colours to a significantly more intense red, although this usually fades back to normal a few months after purchase. There are many species of Tetra which share a similar appearance to the Flame Tetra, sometimes causing confusion between species.
Although a good community fish and peaceful in nature, Flame Tetras can be delicate and prone to whitespot so are best added to mature (established for 3-4 months) aquariums.

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