Flame Tetra

The flame tetra is recognized by its body, which is silver at the front and turns a flame red that deepens toward the rear. There are two short, dark vertical bars behind the gill cover, and the fins are red. It is one of the oldest tetras in the hobby, kept in aquariums since the 1920s.

Because its natural habitat has been heavily affected by urbanization, almost all fish sold in the trade are farm-bred. It is hardy, adapts to cooler water and is suitable for beginners.

It lives in planted, slow-flowing streams and ponds on the coastal plains around Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil. The waters of this region are somewhat cooler than those of the tropical Amazon.

• Volume: at least 54–60 liters for a school of 8–12.
• Water: 22–25°C is ideal; it tolerates short drops to 20°C. pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
• Decor: planted edges, a dark substrate and open swimming space in the middle.
• Maintenance: a 20–25% water change every week; gentle to moderate flow.

Omnivorous. Make flakes and small granules the staple and vary it with frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms. Foods containing carotenoids help keep the red vivid.

Peaceful and active. There are small chases within its own school, but it does not harm other species. It leaves adult shrimp alone but may eat their young.

Good companions: small tetras, rasboras, danios, corydoras, small livebearers, otocinclus, shrimp.

Avoid: large fish that could fit it in their mouths, aggressive cichlids; its temperature needs are a poor match for species that want warm water, such as discus.

A school of at least 8, ideally 12 is recommended. In a large group the colors brighten and the fish swim more confidently. The sex ratio does not matter. Buying the school from the same source and all at once helps newcomers settle into the group; fish kept in small numbers stay pale and retreat among the plants.

It is one of the easiest tetras to breed in the aquarium. A separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water, a temperature of 24–26°C and fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop is enough. The female scatters her eggs among the plants; the parents are removed after spawning. The fry become free-swimming within a few days and are fed infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

• Hardiness: it is quite resistant to disease; most problems come from poorly maintained water.
• White spot (ich): may appear after sudden drops in temperature.
• Loss of color: stress, a small group and a monotonous diet make the red fade.

Males have a deeper red anal fin with a distinct black stripe along its edge. Females are paler and plumper; the black edge on their anal fin is faint or absent.