Flame Tetra

Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Also known as: Von Rio tetra, Rio tetra, Fire tetra

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Hardness (GH): 36–214 ppm (2–12 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

An old aquarium favourite, small and peaceable, with a silvery body that flushes warm red-orange over the back half and into the fins, deepest in males competing within a settled group. Also called the Von Rio tetra for its origin near Rio de Janeiro, it is hardy, adaptable, and tolerant of cooler water, which makes it a good choice for unheated or lightly-heated community tanks. Unlike some of the flashier tetras it is genuinely gentle, safe even with small and delicate tankmates, and it rewards a group of six or more in a planted tank with a warm, glowing display. Undemanding, long-established, and easy to breed, it is an excellent and slightly old-fashioned schooler for a peaceful community, cool or tropical.

Tankmates

Unlike several of its relatives, genuinely gentle and safe with small, delicate tankmates, including in a nano-leaning or cool community. Its cool tolerance pairs it well with white cloud mountain minnows as well as with warm-water nano fish like neon and ember tetras. Keep a group of six or more for the best colour and behaviour. Adult shrimp are generally safe. Avoid boisterous fin-nippers such as tiger barbs, and large or predatory fish.

Compatible with

• Neon Tetra
• Ember Tetra
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Bronze Corydoras
• White Cloud Mountain Minnow
• Otocinclus
• Cherry Shrimp
• Peppered Corydoras

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Tiger Barb
• Angelfish
• Large Cichlids
• Fin Nippers

Common Problems

• faded colour in small groups or bright, bare tanks
• loss of red through poor diet or inbred stock
• stress from boisterous tankmates
• ich

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20