Fire - Ember Tetra 2cm

Ember Tetra 

Ember tetras are a true beloved staple in the aquarium hobby as they make for fantastic additions to planted and community aquariums. Sitting on the podium alongside neon and rummy nose tetras the embers are often one of the go-to fish to fill out an aquarium because of their calm behavior, schooling behavior, and vibrant orange colour. They are also very easy to care for and a great entry-level tropical fish species that only reaches a maximum of 3cm.  

Ember tetras have such a high appeal for aqua scapers because of their simple aesthetic and tranquil swimming pattern. These fish have a light, flame orange base colour through their body with a darker crisscrossing pattern formed by their scales. Depending on genetics the intensity of this orange can range and at times can be read but they will always have a stunning shimmer through their body. To contrast this orange the enter tetra has a white underbelly and a black tip on the dorsal fin. Being tropical fish, they can tolerate a temperature range from 24-28 degrees and come from South America meaning they will prefer softer water conditions like most other tetras. 

Ember tetras are a very peaceful fish that get along with a range of other species, their shooting behavior in large groups is truly mesmerizing which is why it is best to keep these fish in groups of 6 or more. Breeding ember tetras is possible in the home aquarium as females will scatter eggs through the tank and males follow by fertilizing. Though ember tetras do not display much dimorphism between males and females, the females tend to be rounder. If you have the intentions to breed it is best to have a small group of 4-5 individuals.  

Tank Recommendations for your Ember Tetra

Being a small and relatively easy to care for fish the ember tetra can be kept in smaller aquariums with the minimum being 75 liters. This aquarium size allows for a decent school of these tetras along with other community fish if required, ember tetras would also look equally amazing in large schools of 20 or more in a larger aquarium setting which really highlights their shoaling behavior. 

A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes them more comfortable in the aquarium. Having a darker background and lighting that has a red spectrum will really bring out the best colours in these fish. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The ember tetra is an extremely peaceful fish that displays no aggression, they can be kept with a wide range of fish being top, bottom, and mid dweller fish. 

Usually Compatible

glow light tetras, neon tetras, Apistogramma, rams, and a range of dwarf/nano peaceful fish.  

Sometimes Compatible

Ember tetras can be a relatively slow fish so any fin nipping species of fish which may outcompete them for food such as guppies, tiger barbs, or Roseline sharks

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as rainbow sharks, Raphael catfish, and larger mouthed community fish may pester or prey on the tetras.

Feeding your Ember Tetra

Ember tetras are a very easy fish to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.