Red Flame Tetra

Red Flame Tetra | Hyphessobrycon flammeus: A Peaceful, Colourful Schooling Fish

Native to the slow-moving, vegetated waters of South America, the Red Flame Tetra is a peaceful freshwater fish with a red-orange body and contrasting markings. It grows to around 3–4 cm and swims mainly in the middle levels of the aquarium. In a planted tank, a school adds colour and lively movement as the fish swim together.

Keep Red Flame Tetras in a group of at least 8–12. Their calm temperament makes them suitable for community aquariums with other peaceful fish of a similar size. They are omnivores and accept quality micro pellets, flakes and granules. A varied diet can also include live or frozen daphnia, artemia or mosquito larvae.

Specifications: Red Flame Tetra | Hyphessobrycon flammeus

• Common name: Red Flame Tetra

• Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon flammeus

• Origin: South America

• Natural habitat: Slow-moving, vegetated waters

• Adult size: approximately 3–4 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Swimming area: Middle water levels

• Aquarium size: 60–80 litres for a small group

• Recommended group size: At least 8–12 fish

• Temperature: 22–26°C

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Diet: Omnivorous; micro pellets, flakes, granules, and live or frozen foods

• Suitable tankmates: Peaceful fish of a similar size

How to Keep Red Flame Tetras

1. Provide a 60–80-litre aquarium for a small group, with space to swim.

2. Keep at least 8–12 fish together to support natural schooling behaviour.

3. Use aquatic plants to create a planted setting suited to their natural habitat.

4. Maintain a stable temperature of 22–26°C and pH of 6.0–7.5; use soft to moderately hard water.

5. Feed quality micro pellets, flakes or granules, and vary the diet with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, artemia or mosquito larvae.

6. Select peaceful tankmates of a similar size.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Keep the aquarium’s water conditions stable and within the recommended ranges.

• Maintain a school of at least 8–12 fish.

• Provide plants and open swimming space so the fish can school comfortably.

• Offer a varied omnivorous diet, including suitable live or frozen foods.

• Choose peaceful, similarly sized companions for a community aquarium.