Ember Tetra – Hyphessobrycon amandae,, is a small and peaceful freshwater fish that is native to South America. In this article, we will explore the various characteristics of this species, including its appearance, natural habitat, care requirements, feeding, breeding, and more.
Appearance
The Ember Tetra is a relatively small fish, with a maximum size of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. It has a bright orange or red body that is contrasted by a black stripe that runs horizontally along its side. The dorsal and anal fins are also black, while the caudal fin is transparent. The eyes of the Ember Tetra are large and round, giving it an innocent and charming look.
Natural Habitat
In the wild, the Ember Tetra can be found in the upper tributaries of the Rio Madeira basin in Brazil. These streams are typically shallow and slow-moving, with lots of plants and leaf litter on the bottom. The water is typically soft and acidic, with a pH range of 5.0-6.5 and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). The Ember Tetra is known to be a shoaling fish, and is often found in groups of 10 or more in the wild.
Keeping Ember Tetra Healthy – Care Level and Difficulty
Ember Tetras are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice among beginner aquarists. They prefer soft, acidic water with a pH range of 5.0-7.0 and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). They are a bit on the delicate side, so it is important to keep the water parameters stable and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH. Ember Tetras should be kept in a shoal of at least 6 individuals to feel secure, and a tank size of at least 10 gallons (38 litres) is recommended.
Special Requirements and Feeding
Ember Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including flake, freeze-dried, and live foods. They should be fed a varied diet to ensure that they receive all of the necessary nutrients. Additionally, they prefer a heavily planted tank with lots of hiding places, as they are a shy species and will appreciate the cover.
How Many Ember Tetras Should I Keep?
Ember Tetras are shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They are small fish and can be kept in a relatively small tank, with a minimum size of 10 gallons (38 litres) for a shoal of 6. However, it is always better to provide more swimming space if possible.
Lighting Preference
Ember Tetras do not have any specific lighting requirements and will do well with a standard aquarium light. However, they do prefer a tank with lots of plants and hiding places, which may require additional lighting to thrive.
Suitable Tank Mates
Ember Tetras are peaceful fish and can be kept with other small, peaceful species that share their water requirements. Some good tank mates include other tetras, rasboras, guppies, and dwarf Corydoras. Avoid keeping them with larger, aggressive fish or species that prefer different water conditions.
Breeding Ember Tetra – Hyphessobrycon amandae
Breeding Ember Tetras can be a rewarding experience for hobbyists. With the right conditions and care, these fish can spawn quite easily in a home aquarium. Here are some key factors to consider when breeding Ember Tetras:
- Sexing: Ember Tetras are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have distinct physical differences. Females tend to be larger and plumper than males, with rounder bellies. Meanwhile, males have a more slender and streamlined body shape with a red-orange coloration on their fins and body.
- Tank Setup: To encourage spawning, it is essential to provide a comfortable and conducive environment for Ember Tetras. The breeding tank should have soft, acidic water with a pH range of 5.5-6.5 and a temperature of around 80°F (26°C). A spawning mop, made of fine nylon or wool, can be added to the tank to provide a suitable surface for the fish to lay their eggs.
- Conditioning: Before breeding, it is crucial to condition the Ember Tetras to ensure that they are healthy and in good breeding condition. Feeding them high-quality foods such as live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia can help prepare the fish for spawning. Providing a varied diet rich in protein and nutrients can enhance the chances of successful breeding.
- Spawning: When the fish are ready to breed, the male will begin to court the female by displaying his bright coloration and dancing around her. Once the female is ready, she will release eggs on the spawning mop, and the male will fertilize them. After spawning, the adult fish should be removed from the tank to prevent them from eating the eggs or fry.
- Incubation and Hatching: Ember Tetra eggs typically hatch within 24-48 hours, and the fry will remain attached to the spawning mop until they can swim freely. It is crucial to keep the breeding tank dark and free from bright lights during this time to prevent the eggs from being damaged or the fry from being stressed. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed with infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat small live or frozen foods.
- Rearing: As the fry grow, they can be moved to a separate rearing tank with a sponge filter and gentle water flow. The water should be kept clean, with regular water changes and careful feeding to prevent overfeeding and fouling of the water. Gradually, as the fry mature, they can be fed larger and more substantial foods until they are ready to be introduced to the main aquarium.
Breeding Ember Tetras can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with the right conditions and care, these fish can spawn quite easily in a home aquarium.
Paragraph 9: Sexual Dimorphism
Male and female Hyphessobrycon amandae are sexually dimorphic, with females being slightly larger and plumper than males. During breeding season, males develop more intense colours and longer dorsal fins than females.
Distribution
Hyphessobrycon amandae is a small freshwater fish that is native to the Rio Purus basin in Brazil. It can also be found in some of the tributaries of the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimões. The species has also been successfully bred in captivity and is available in the aquarium trade.
Summary
Hyphessobrycon amandae, also known as the Ember tetra, is a popular and beautiful fish that is suitable for beginner aquarists. Its small size and low care requirements make it an excellent addition to any community aquarium. These fish are peaceful and can be kept in groups of at least six. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a temperature range between 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C) and a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
To keep Ember tetras healthy, they require a balanced diet consisting of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods. They are also susceptible to common fish diseases, so proper filtration and regular water changes are essential. Breeding Hyphessobrycon amandae is relatively easy and can be done in a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water and a temperature range of 77°F to 80°F (25°C to 27°C).
In summary, the Ember tetra is a beautiful and popular aquarium fish that is relatively easy to care for and suitable for beginner aquarists. They have a peaceful temperament and can be kept in groups of at least six. With proper care, they can live for up to five years in captivity.
Iain Dalton –
I have fallen in love with these little tetras, thanks abyss. They’re so colourful and confident and are feeding really well.
ALAN JONES (verified owner) –
Received another online order, really can’t fault Abyss, the 12 Ember tetras arrived double bagged, in two separate bags , so 6 in each, so no overcrowding on transit, inside a poly box with heat pad and thick insulation paper, inside a cardboard box, 1st class care of live stock.. an instruction sheet for acclimation is included, with important telephone numbers , should there be problems… faultless
Tommy Brown (verified owner) –
Never had Ember tetras before but have certainly fallen in love with them quickly. Look amazing with my Green Neons in a black water aquarium!
Jo de Groot (verified owner) –
Beautiful healthy little fish looking forward to seeing them grow. They’ve taken a shine to my cardinals and follow them around.
Jo de Groot (verified owner) –
Beautiful little fish looking forward to seeing them grow. They’ve taken a shine to my cardinals and follow them around.
Anne Carnelley- Lamb (verified owner) –
Ordered some to add my current group. The fish were very well packaged, double bagged in an insulated box. I ordered a few different fish and all species arrived safely and are healthy. Clear acclimatisation directions were provided.
These are beautiful little fish. They settled very quickly and are eating well. Love watching them swim through the plants.
My Embe Tetra often swim with the Celestial Pearl Danio and even the Kubutai Rasbora join in for a quick shoal on occasion. Gorgeous sight.
Looking forward to adding these lovely fish to my main tank soon.
Abyss have provided some lovely healthy fish and great service.
Highly recommend them.