Overview
The ember tetra is a tiny, fiery-orange fish from the Araguaia River basin in Brazil, part of the Amazon system in South America. It is one of the smallest tetras, barely longer than a fingernail, yet a school of them glowing together looks like a handful of drifting embers or sparks. Their warm color really pops against green plants and dark substrate.
Ember tetras are peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for beginners and for small planted tanks. Like all tetras, they are schooling fish that feel safe and look their best in a group. When kept in a big shoal, they swim boldly out in the open and light up the whole aquarium.
| Care level | Easy |
| Adult size | 0.6-0.8 in (1.5-2 cm) |
| Lifespan | 2-4 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Min. tank | 10 gal (38 L) |
| Temperature | 73-84°F (23-29°C) |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Schooling | Yes, keep 8 or more |
Water and tank
Because they are so small, a group of ember tetras can live happily in a tank of just 10 gallons. Soft, slightly acidic water suits them best, matching their Amazon home, but they are adaptable and forgiving. Clean, gently filtered water keeps them healthy and colorful.
Aquascape and setup
A planted tank with a darker substrate makes the ember tetra's orange color glow. Live plants, driftwood, and a few floating plants give them cover and make them feel secure enough to swim in the open. Dried leaves can tint the water and mimic their wild stream.
Diet
Ember tetras are omnivores with tiny mouths, so their food must be small. Feed crushed micro flakes and small pellets plus tiny frozen or live foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms. A varied diet keeps their fiery color bright.
Tankmates and temperament
These gentle little fish are perfect community members. They mix well with other small, peaceful fish such as other nano tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and dwarf shrimp. Just avoid big or aggressive fish that might see the tiny ember tetra as a snack.
A living cloud
Ember tetras are shoaling fish, so the more you keep, the better they look and behave. A group of eight or more moves together in a loose, glowing cloud that shifts and swirls around the tank. A big school is calmer, bolder, and far more beautiful than a few lonely fish.
Fun facts
- Ember tetras are one of the smallest tetras, barely longer than a fingernail.
- Their glowing orange color looks like a drifting spark or ember.
- They come from the Araguaia River basin in Brazil.
- A large school forms a shifting, living cloud of color.
- Their tiny mouths need small foods like crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp.
Frequently asked questions
How many ember tetras should I keep?
At least eight, and more is even better. They are schooling fish that feel safe and show their brightest color when kept in a big group.
Are ember tetras good for beginners?
Yes. They are hardy, peaceful, and small, so they fit well in nano tanks and forgive small mistakes as you learn. Just feed them tiny foods and keep the water clean.
Can ember tetras live with shrimp?
Usually yes. They are too small to bother adult dwarf shrimp, which makes them a popular choice for planted shrimp tanks, though they may eat very tiny shrimp babies.
Why do my ember tetras hide?
They may feel unsafe in too small a group or with pushy tankmates. Add more of their own kind and plenty of plants, and they will grow bolder and swim in the open.
