Flame tetras (Hyphessobrycon flammeus), also sold as Von Rio tetras, are small reddish fish with dark shoulder bars. They suit a peaceful planted aquarium when kept in a proper group. They are not the same fish as ember tetras, despite overlapping shop names.
Space, group size and cover
Keep at least 8–10 where the aquarium can support them. A long aquarium provides more useful group space than a narrow tank of the same volume. Seriously Fish recommends a base around 60 × 30 cm or larger; allow additional room for a community.
Plant the margins and provide some sheltered areas without filling every swimming space. A 20-gallon-long style setup is a practical choice for a group with selected companions. A small adult size is not permission to overcrowd.
Water and maintenance
The species profile lists 20–26°C (68–79°F), pH 5.5–7.5 and 1–12 dGH. Compare your source water with the conditions of the fish being sold. Do not assume all tetras need the same very warm aquarium, or use sudden heating to prevent disease.
Establish the biological filter before introducing fish. Ammonia and nitrite should both be zero. Monitor nitrate, siphon debris and use conditioned, temperature-matched water for partial changes. Do not use guppies or another “hardy” fish to absorb the ammonia of an unfinished cycle.
Wood or leaves can be optional decor but do not reliably set a particular pH. Provide lighting suitable for the plants with shaded refuge areas. Java fern is one attached-plant option if the layout fits.
Food and companions
Use a complete small-fish food, supplemented with appropriately sized small frozen or live foods. Offer measured portions, observe each fish eating and remove leftovers. Do not assume more frequent or richer feeding is always better.
Choose peaceful fish with overlapping temperature and hardness needs. Each additional schooling species needs its own group and swimming space. Hard-water livebearers and warm-water blue rams are not automatic matches merely because they are small.
Watch behavior rather than promising that every flame tetra will ignore long fins. Avoid predators, persistent fin nippers and territorial fish that prevent normal movement. Small shrimp and fry may be eaten. Bottom dwellers need deliberate feeding, not just food that other fish miss.
Breeding and responsible sourcing
Adults scatter eggs among fine plants or spawning mops and may eat them afterward. Raising young requires separate established housing, protected filtration and suitably tiny foods for the free-swimming stage. Do not force spawning through abrupt changes or promise an exact number of eggs and hatch time.
Choose healthy, documented captive stock where available. A common aquarium population does not establish that the species is secure in the wild. Never release aquarium fish or attempt private “restocking” of natural habitats.
Check appetite, breathing and swimming daily. Water tests come first when behavior changes; severe or persistent symptoms need veterinary advice. Good care reduces risk without guaranteeing that disease cannot occur.
