Care Requirements
Adult Size
1.6" (4cm)
Min Tank
10 gal
Temperature
72-82°F
pH Range
5.5-7.5
Lifespan
3-5 years
Min Group
6+ fish
Diet
Omnivore
Swim Level
Middle
Bioload
1/10
Hardness
3-15 dGH
About Flame Tetra
The Flame Tetra — also known as the Von Rio Tetra or Fire Tetra — brings warm, fiery coloration to community tanks. When kept in optimal conditions, their posterior half glows with rich orange-red that earned them the 'flame' name. The coloration intensifies dramatically in well-maintained fish, transforming from pale specimens into genuinely striking display fish.
This species holds historical significance as one of the first tropical fish imported to Europe in the early 1920s, making them aquarium veterans of over a century. Their long history in the hobby reflects both their hardiness and their enduring appeal. Despite countless flashier species entering the trade since, Flame Tetras maintain devoted followers.
Small but not tiny at around 1.5 inches, they occupy a sweet spot for nano tanks and community setups alike. They're large enough to be visible and impactful yet small enough for modest aquariums. A school of well-colored Flame Tetras creates a warm, glowing presence that larger fish can't replicate.
Their care requirements rank among the easiest of all tetras. They tolerate parameter variations, accept any food, and rarely develop health problems. This reliability made them classics for good reason — when you want attractive, peaceful, problem-free fish, Flame Tetras deliver consistently.
Natural Habitat & Origin
Conservation status: Endangered (EN)
Flame Tetras originate from coastal rivers and streams in southeastern Brazil, particularly around Rio de Janeiro state. This relatively restricted natural range contrasts with their global aquarium distribution — they're far more common in fish tanks than in Brazilian rivers.
Their native waters tend toward soft and slightly acidic conditions, flowing through coastal forests with abundant vegetation. However, generations of captive breeding have produced fish highly adapted to aquarium conditions across a wide parameter range.
In the wild, they inhabit vegetated areas where overhanging plants provide shade and cover. Schools move through mid-water zones feeding on small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. Seasonal variations in water level and conditions contributed to their aquarium adaptability.
Wild populations face some habitat pressure from urbanization around Rio de Janeiro, but the species isn't considered threatened. The aquarium trade relies entirely on commercially bred stock.
Native Region
Brazil — Coastal rivers near Rio de Janeiro
Habitat Type
Vegetated streams and rivers in coastal forest
Wild Water Conditions
Soft (3-10 dGH), slightly acidic (pH 5.8-7.2), warm (24-28°C)
Appearance & Varieties
The Flame Tetra's coloration tells the story of its care quality. Well-maintained specimens develop rich orange-red coloration across the posterior half of the body, with the intensity concentrated toward the tail. The front half shows silver with subtle red/orange tints. When conditions are optimal, the flame-like coloration truly justifies their name.
Two vertical black bars mark the body — one behind the gill cover and another smaller marking mid-body. These dark accents contrast nicely with the warm colors. Fins show red-orange coloration matching the body, with the anal fin displaying a black leading edge followed by white and then red.
Poorly kept specimens appear washed out and disappointingly pale. The difference between stressed/neglected Flame Tetras and thriving ones is dramatic — like comparing embers to actual flames.
Adults reach approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm). Males tend brighter with more intense red coloration, while females are slightly larger and deeper-bodied.
Popular Varieties
| Variety | Description | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard/Wild-Type | Orange-red posterior with silver front, black vertical bars. Classic form with excellent coloration when properly kept. | Common |
| Gold/Albino | Yellow-gold variant lacking the dark pigments. Shows warm golden tones instead of orange-red. Less common but available. | Uncommon |
Tank Setup & Requirements
Quick Requirements Summary
Tank Size
Minimum Tank Size
10 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
20 gallons
Flame Tetras thrive in a wide range of setups from planted nano tanks to larger community aquariums. Their main requirements are clean water, appropriate group size, and conditions that bring out their best coloration.
Water Parameters
Adaptable but show best coloration in softer, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5-7.5, 3-15 dGH, 72-82°F). Hard, alkaline water won't kill them but may result in paler colors. Consistency matters more than exact targets.
Substrate
Dark substrates dramatically enhance their orange-red flame coloration — the soft rosy hues show best against contrasting backgrounds. Black sand, dark gravel, or nutrient-rich planted tank soils all work excellently. Light substrates won't harm them but wash out their warm colors significantly.
Plants & Decorations
Plants significantly enhance their environment and seem to improve coloration — likely by providing security and mimicking natural habitat. They're completely plant-safe. Dense planting around tank edges with open swimming space in front creates ideal conditions. Driftwood releases tannins that soften water and create conditions they thrive in.
Filtration & Water Flow
They prefer calmer water without strong current — avoid powerful flow that forces constant swimming. Sponge filters work excellently for smaller setups. HOB filters can be baffled if flow is too strong. Aim for 4-5x volume turnover.
Lighting
Subdued to moderate lighting actually enhances their appearance — very bright lighting tends to wash out their warm colors. Floating plants naturally achieve ideal lighting conditions. Warm-spectrum bulbs complement their coloration.
Diet & Feeding Guide
Diet Type
omnivore
Feeding Frequency
Once or twice daily
Portion Size
Small amounts consumed within 1-2 minutes
Flame Tetras are undemanding omnivores accepting virtually any appropriately sized food. A varied diet helps maintain their best coloration and overall health.
Best Foods for Flame Tetra
- Quality micro flakes — Staple diet readily accepted. Choose color-enhancing formulas to support their orange-red coloration.
- Micro pellets — Small sinking or slow-sinking pellets provide dietary variety.
- Frozen bloodworms — Chopped or small bloodworms eagerly consumed. Feed 2-3 times weekly.
- Frozen brine shrimp — Readily accepted. Natural food source providing good nutrition.
- Frozen daphnia — Small enough to eat whole. Provides fiber and variety.
- Color-enhancing foods — Foods containing carotenoids and astaxanthin help intensify their orange-red flame coloration.
- Live foods — Baby brine shrimp, micro worms, and daphnia trigger enthusiastic feeding.
Foods to Avoid
- Large foods — Their small mouths can't handle oversized pellets or whole bloodworms. Crush or chop as needed.
- Low-quality foods only — Cheap foods may not support optimal coloration. Invest in quality foods.
Their small size means they need less food than larger tetras. Feed small portions once or twice daily. Color-enhancing foods make a visible difference in their flame coloration.
Behavior & Temperament
Flame Tetras display calm, peaceful schooling behavior without the nervous energy of some tetras. They swim in relaxed formations through mid-water zones, occasionally clustering more tightly but generally maintaining loose groupings. This calm demeanor makes them soothing to watch.
They're among the most peaceful tetras available — virtually no aggression toward tankmates and no fin-nipping tendencies. They ignore other species entirely, focusing on their own school and food.
Males occasionally display to each other with fin spreading and intensified coloration, but these interactions remain harmless. The competitive displaying actually brings out their best colors.
Activity level is moderate rather than hyperactive. They're always gently moving but don't create the constant frantic motion of more energetic tetras.
Tank Mates: Compatibility Guide
Compatible Tank Mates
Different peaceful tetra species create diverse, harmonious communities.
Peaceful bottom dwellers that completely ignore mid-water tetras.
Similarly peaceful and size-appropriate. Create warm-colored community.
Flame Tetras are shrimp-safe — peaceful enough to ignore adult shrimp.
Share their calm nature and size range. Peaceful coexistence.
Tiny, peaceful algae eaters that completely ignore tetras.
Completely compatible. Different niches with zero interaction issues.
Tank Mates to Avoid
Large or predatory fish
Their small size makes them prey for anything large enough to eat them.
Aggressive species
Their calm nature makes them easy targets for aggressive tankmates.
Very active, boisterous fish
Highly active tankmates may stress these calm fish.
Fin nippers
Persistent nippers cause stress and damage.
Flame Tetras breed readily in aquariums — they're among the easier tetras to spawn. Conditioning with protein-rich foods brings adults into breeding condition. Set up a breeding tank with fine-leaved plants, soft acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5), and slightly warmer temperature (26-28°C). Spawning occurs in early morning. Remove adults immediately as they readily consume eggs. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours.
Health Issues & Disease Prevention
Flame Tetras are hardy fish that rarely develop health problems when basic care requirements are met. Their century in the aquarium hobby has produced robust, disease-resistant stock.
Common Diseases
| Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Ich (White Spot Disease) | White spots on body, flashing, clamped fins. | Raise temperature to 28-30°C. Commercial ich medications effective. |
| Fin Rot | Frayed fins, deteriorating edges, redness. | Improve water quality — often sufficient alone. Antibacterial medication for severe cases. |
| Color Fading | Loss of orange-red coloration, pale appearance. | Not a disease but an indicator. Review water quality, diet, stress factors, and lighting. |
| Neon Tetra Disease | Faded color patches, curved spine, erratic swimming. | No cure. Remove affected fish to prevent spread. |
Signs of a Healthy Flame Tetra
- Vibrant orange-red coloration
- Active but calm swimming
- Good appetite
- Clear, intact fins
- Schooling behavior
Prevention Tips
- Maintain clean, stable water
- Keep in groups of 6+
- Provide varied diet including color-enhancing foods
- Avoid sudden parameter changes
- Quarantine new additions
Frequently Asked Questions
Several factors affect coloration: water conditions (softer, slightly acidic water enhances color), diet (color-enhancing foods help significantly), stress (overcrowding, aggressive tankmates, poor water quality all fade color), lighting (very bright light washes out color), and substrate (dark backgrounds enhance color display).
They're the same species — different common names for Hyphessobrycon flammeus. 'Flame Tetra' and 'Fire Tetra' describe their coloration, while 'Von Rio Tetra' references their origin near Rio de Janeiro.
Excellent choice — among the best beginner tetras. They're hardy, peaceful, disease-resistant, accept any food, and tolerate a range of water conditions.
Yes — they're peaceful enough to ignore adult dwarf shrimp. Baby shrimp have better survival rates than with many tetras, though dense plant cover helps protect shrimplets.
Minimum 6, ideally 8-10+. They're schooling fish that need company to feel secure and display natural behavior. Larger groups show better coloration.
No — they're genuinely peaceful with no fin-nipping tendencies. Safe with long-finned fish, bettas, and delicate tankmates.
Tips for Keeping Flame Tetra
Pro Tips
- ✓Use tannin-stained water (Indian Almond leaves, driftwood) for best coloration.
- ✓Subdued lighting brings out their best — unlike fish that need bright light.
- ✓They're excellent planted tank inhabitants due to peaceful nature and plant-safe behavior.
- ✓Color-enhancing foods with astaxanthin and carotenoids noticeably intensify their coloration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Expecting instant intense coloration — store fish are often stressed and pale. Give them weeks.
- ✗Keeping in hard, alkaline water — they survive but never achieve optimal coloration.
- ✗Too few fish — stressed, pale fish that hide. School of 6+ minimum.
- ✗Very bright lighting — washes out their coloration.
- ✗Light-colored substrate — colors appear less vibrant.
Sources
- FishBase — Accepted scientific name, maximum size and native range for Flame Tetra.
- IUCN Red List — Endangered conservation assessment for Hyphessobrycon flammeus.
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