Flame tetra - Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Common name: Flame tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5.8 - 7.8

Recommended water hardness: 5 - 25°N (89.29 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

The Flame tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus) is a peaceful, schooling characin native to coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil (Guanabara Bay/Paraíba do Sul/Guandu in Rio de Janeiro; upper Tietê in São Paulo). In nature it inhabits shallow, slow, shaded streams—often tannin-stained “blackwater”. Typical adult size in aquaria is ~4–5 cm (1.6–2.0″). The species is common in the trade (captive-bred strains), while wild populations are listed as Endangered.

Food & Feeding

Omnivorous micro-predator. Use quality micro-flakes/small sinking granules as staple, and rotate frozen/live foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, finely chopped bloodworms). A little plant matter (spirulina, blanched greens) helps condition and color. Feed small portions 1–2× daily to protect water quality.

Sexing

Females are deeper-bodied, especially when gravid; males are slimmer and often show slightly richer red in the anal fin.

Breeding

An egg-scattering free spawner with no parental care. Use a small, dim tank with very soft, acidic water, spawning mops or fine plants, and a base that protects eggs (mesh/marbles). Remove adults post-spawn. Eggs are light-sensitive—keep the tank dark; they typically hatch in ~24–36 hours, with fry free-swimming a few days later. Start on infusoria/liquid fry food, then Artemia nauplii.

Lifespan

Commonly 3–5 years in clean, stable systems.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Tank size: at least 60 cm / 24″ length for a shoal; larger volumes stabilize water.
Water: pH ~5.8–7.8, hardness ~5–25 °dH, temperature 22–28 °C (72–82 °F). For breeding, push toward very soft and acidic.
Aquascape: dark substrate, wood/leaf litter and floating plants to diffuse light (blackwater aesthetic). Gentle flow, high oxygen.
Maintenance: small, frequent water changes; avoid abrupt parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Peaceful shoaler. Keep in groups of 8–10 for confidence and color. Excellent with other small, calm fishes that appreciate soft water (small rasboras, pencils, dwarf cichlids like Apistogramma, small Corydoras). Avoid large/boisterous species and notorious fin-nippers.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Active mid-water schooler that uses open lanes and retreats into cover when startled.

Short Description

Flame tetras are gentle, copper-red characins from shaded, tannin-rich streams of Southeast Brazil. Keep them in groups in soft, clean, dimly lit aquaria; offer varied micro-foods. Breeding is achievable in very soft, acidic, low-light setups; eggs hatch in about a day.

Q&A

Where are they from? Coastal drainages of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Brazil).
How many should I keep? At least 8–10 to reduce skittishness and show schooling.
Are the eggs light-sensitive? Yes—darkness improves hatch rates; eggs typically hatch in ~24–36 h.
Conservation status? Listed as Endangered (IUCN). Wild stocks are threatened; trade fish are captive-bred.