Flame tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)

Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon flammeus Myers, 1924

Flame tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus)

The Flame tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 4.5 cm (1.8 in). It is difficult to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 55 L (15 US gal), water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 5.8–7.8. Native range: South America, Streams and river around Rio de Janeiro.

Flame tetra care at a glance

Care level
Difficult
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Minimum tank
55 L (15 US gal)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH
5.8–7.8
Hardness
5–25 dGH (89–446 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts live foods.

Biology

Feeds on worms, small crustaceans and plant matter. In tank, female lays 200 to 300 eggs which hatch in 2 to 3 days. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
2.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.8 - 7.8; dH range: 5 - 25 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Coastal rivers of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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