Flame Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.5
Lifespan
4 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Flame Tetra
The flame tetra, also known as the Von Rio tetra, is a warm-toned fish originally from the coastal rivers near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its body displays a gradient of silver-olive near the head transitioning to fiery orange-red toward the tail, with two distinctive dark vertical bars behind the gill cover. Males develop more intense red coloring, especially during breeding displays. Flame tetras are peaceful, undemanding schooling fish that have been a staple in the aquarium hobby since the early 1900s. Though less flashy than some newer species, their warm, sunset-like coloring and easygoing nature make them a reliable choice for community tanks.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Tetra
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Flame tetras are among the hardiest and most forgiving tetras, tolerating temperatures from 64-82°F and a range of water chemistries. Keep them in schools of six or more for natural behavior and the best color displays. They do well in both heated tropical setups and room-temperature tanks. Provide a planted tank with open swimming areas and subdued lighting to bring out their warmest colors. Feed standard flake food with occasional frozen or live food treats. They are generally disease-resistant and long-lived, making them an excellent choice for beginners who want an attractive, low-maintenance schooling fish.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
4yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Flame Tetra
Related Species You Might Like
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Emperor Tetra
Nematobrycon palmeri
Glowlight Tetra
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
Tank Mates for Flame Tetra
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
easy · 15+ gal
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
easy · 10+ gal
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Flame Tetra need?
A Flame Tetra needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Flame Tetra need?
Flame Tetra thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Are Flame Tetra easy to care for?
Flame Tetra are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 4 years.
How big do Flame Tetra get and what do they eat?
Flame Tetra reach about 1.5 inches and are omnivores. Flame tetras are among the hardiest and most forgiving tetras, tolerating temperatures from 64-82°F and a range of water chemistries. Keep them in schools of six or more for natural behavior and the best color displays. They do well in both heated tropical setups and room-temperature tanks. Provide a planted tank with open swimming areas and subdued lighting to bring out their warmest colors. Feed standard flake food with occasional frozen or live food treats. They are generally disease-resistant and long-lived, making them an excellent choice for beginners who want an attractive, low-maintenance schooling fish.