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Freshwater Fish

Flame Tetra

Hyphessobrycon flammeus

Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Flame Tetra - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.

Flame Tetra at a glance
Adult size: 1 inch · Min tank/pond: 20 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 3-5 years.

Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.

Where Flame Tetra comes from

Flame Tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.

Flame Tetra tank size and setup

Flame Tetra requires a minimum of 20 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 1 inch adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.

Water parameters for Flame Tetra

Flame Tetra prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.

What Flame Tetra eats

Flame Tetra is a omnivore. Provide a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Feed twice daily in small portions. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.

Flame Tetra tankmates and compatibility

Flame Tetra works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.

Flame Tetra adult size and lifespan

Flame Tetra reaches 1 inch at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 3-5 years with proper care.

Can you breed Flame Tetra?

Flame Tetra can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.

Common Flame Tetra diseases and problems

Flame Tetra is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Flame Tetra for 4 weeks before adding to display.

Where to buy Flame Tetra online

Flame Tetra is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Flame Tetra from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.

Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.

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Sources and references

Flame Tetra taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.

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More resources for Flame Tetra keepers

Common diseases
Helpful calculators
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Browse the full disease database, calculator collection, aquarium glossary, or Q&A library for additional reference.

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