Flame Tetra Hyphessobrycon Flammeus 2cm

Overview

The Flame Tetra, or Von Rio Tetra, is a tiny characin whose silver front half blends into a glowing red-orange rear and fins. Males become intensely coloured when displaying. Native to coastal streams around Rio de Janeiro, it suits planted nano and community tanks kept by beginners.

• Adult Size: Around 2.5–3 cm (1–1.2 in)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states, south-east Brazil
• Habitat: Shallow, slow, heavily vegetated streams

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous micropredator
• Preferred Foods: Micro pellets, crushed flake, daphnia, moina, brine shrimp, bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Small feeds once or twice daily; live food boosts colour

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf cichlids, shrimp
• Avoid: Large or boisterous fish; anything that could eat them

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Very peaceful
• Territoriality: None; males spar briefly for rank

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Colour fades under bright light or in small groups

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Hardness: 1–12 dGH
• Flow: Slow
• Tank Size: Minimum 50 litres for a group of eight or more

Final Notes

Keep eight to ten so the males form hierarchies and show their best red. Dim lighting, dark substrate, floating plants and leaf litter bring out colour dramatically. Flame Tetras are easy egg scatterers, spawning in a dimly lit tank over mesh or mops; males are smaller, brighter and carry tiny hooks on the anal fin. Wild populations are now rare, so aquarium stock is captive bred. A colourful, undemanding shoaler.