Hyphessobrycon amandae – Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae was first described by Géry and Uj in 1987. The genus name Hyphessobrycon can be broken into two Ancient Greek words. “Hyphesson” means “a little smaller” and “bryko” means “biter”. Together they form the genus name “Little Biter”. The species name amandae is named in honor of Amanda Bleher, the mother of the discoverer of the species Heiko Bleher.
Their common name is Ember Tetra.
Synonym: Hemigrammus amandae
Description
The Ember Tetra has a typical tetra shape, meaning the body is compact and slightly elongated. They have a streamlined body suitable for fast movements in the water.
The head and flank of the Ember Tetra are bright orange to red in color. This bright color makes them very striking in an aquarium environment. The color is uniform over the entire body, without specific patterns or markings. The fins of the Fire Tetra are partly transparent but also show the orange/red color that is characteristic of this species. This applies to the dorsal fin, pelvic fins and the tail fin.
The Fire Tetra does not grow larger than about 2 to 3 centimeters, including the tail. This makes them one of the smaller tetra species.
Differences between Males and Females
Males of the Ember Tetra are often slightly slimmer and have more intense colors than the females. Females tend to be slightly fuller, especially when carrying eggs.
Behavior and Temperament of the Ember Tetra
The Ember Tetra is a peaceful and social fish that thrives best in groups. They are not aggressive and can live well with other small, peaceful fish species.
Ember tetras live in schools and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals to reduce stress and promote natural behavior. They are active and usually swim in the middle waters of the aquarium.
Fire tetras are not shy and exhibit lively and active behavior. They are peaceful and can live well with other small, peaceful fish.
Life expectancy
Ember Tetras can live a maximum of 2 to 3 years in a well-maintained aquarium.
Biotope
The Ember Tetra is native to South America, specifically Brazil. They are mainly found in the Araguaia River Basin in central-west Brazil. Ember tetras are river fish and live in slow-flowing rivers and streams. They are specifically found in the Rio Araguaia.
Natural Habitat
Their natural habitat is characterized by an abundance of underwater vegetation, such as aquatic and marsh plants, and a rich presence of organic matter such as fallen leaves and roots. The waters they live in are often dark and almost black in color due to the presence of tannins, which creates a “blackwater” environment. The edges of these waters are usually covered with trees and provide plenty of shade and shelter.
Soil/Substrate
The soil of their natural habitat consists of a mixture of sand, mud and organic matter such as fallen leaves and branches.
Diet
In the wild, the Ember Tetra is a micro predator that feeds on small invertebrates and other zooplankton. This includes small insect larvae, worms and other tiny aquatic organisms.
In the aquarium you give them a varied diet that consists of:
- Dry food: High-quality flakes and micro-pellets.
- Live food: Small live prey such as Artemia (brine shrimp), daphnia (water fleas), and grindal worms.
- Frozen food: Frozen brine shrimp, mosquito larvae and other small invertebrates.
The Aquarium
For a small group of Ember Tetras (6-8 individuals), an aquarium of at least 40 liters and about 40 centimeters long is suitable. If you want to keep several pairs or a larger school, an aquarium of at least 60 liters and 60 centimeters in length is recommended
The aquarium should be densely planted, especially at the edges and background, with plenty of free swimming space in the middle. Use fine-leaved plants such as Java Moss and floating plants such as Salvinia to create a natural environment. Also add driftwood and dried leaf litter to encourage microorganisms and provide a natural hiding place.
Use fine gravel or sand as a substrate to mimic their natural environment. A dark bottom helps the colors of this species to stand out better.
Water parameters
The best water values in the aquarium are:
- Temperature: 23-28°C (73-82°F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- Hardness: 2-10 dGH
Suitable Tank Mates
Ember tetras are peaceful fish that can be kept well with other small, peaceful species. Suitable roommates are:
- Other Tetras: Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra
- Rasboras: Harlequin Rasbora, Espei Rasbora
- Small Catfish: Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus
- Small Anabantoids: Dwarf Gourami
- Invertebrates: Shrimp, Snails
Unsuitable Tank Mates
They should not be kept with larger or more aggressive fish species that could intimidate or eat them. Avoid species such as:
- Large Cichlids
- Barbs such as the Tiger Barbel
- Large Catfish such as the Pleco
Breeding Aquarium
Ember tetras can be bred in both a regular aquarium and a special breeding aquarium. However, for optimal results, a dedicated breeding aquarium is recommended.
A smaller aquarium of about 20 liters is sufficient for breeding. The water should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0 and a temperature at the higher end of their normal range, around 26-28°C. The aquarium should be very dimly lit to simulate a natural environment and reduce stress. An air-driven sponge filter or air stone should be used to ensure adequate oxygen and light water movement.
Breeding aquarium setup:
The bottom can be covered with a fine mesh net, a layer of glass marbles or coarse plastic grass to prevent the parents from eating the eggs. Use fine-leaved plants such as Java Moss or spawn mops to provide a safe place for the eggs to attach.
Conditioning the Fish:
The adult Ember Tetras should be well-conditioned with a diet of small live and frozen foods such as Artemia nauplii, Moina, and grindal worms.
It is not necessary to separate the males and females prior to breeding, but it can help to allow the females to become full of eggs. A breeding group can consist of one or two males and several females. For example, the ratio can be 1:2 or 1:3.
The Spawn
During spawning, the colors of the Ember Tetras become more intense, especially in the males. The males display a more vibrant and bright orange/red color, which helps to attract the females.
Courtship and spawning usually take place in the early morning, when the fish are most active. Fire tetras are spawners, which means they lay their eggs openly in the water. The eggs are spread over the plants or substrate without any form of protection or brood care from the parents. Once the eggs have been laid, the parents must be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs.
A female can lay between 30 and 60 eggs per breeding cycle. The eggs are small and translucent, which helps them camouflage into their environment.
Raising the fry
The eggs of the Ember Tetra hatch after about 24-30 hours. The young begin to swim freely about three days after hatching.
The young fish can be fed with the finest infusoria as soon as they start swimming freely. After a few days they can be switched to Artemia nauplii and microworms.
Conclusion
Ember tetras are easy to keep and suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They thrive in a densely planted aquarium with a dark bottom and gentle filtration. They are social fish that live in schools and do not show parental care. They are peaceful and can live well with other small, peaceful fish species. Overall, they are a vibrant and colorful addition to a community aquarium.
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John de Lange
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