Ember Tetra Care Guide
The ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a small and vibrant tropical freshwater fish popular in the UK. Known for its glowing orange colour and peaceful nature, it's a favourite for nano and planted aquariums.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about ember tetra care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are tiny schooling fish native to Brazil. Their bright orange colour stands out beautifully against green plants, making them a popular choice for aquascaping.
They are peaceful, active, and best kept in groups.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
2-3 cm
Brazil
40-60L (10-15gal)
2-4 years
Peaceful, shoaling
24-28°C
Omnivore (micro pellets, flakes, frozen, live foods)
5.5-7.0
£2-£4 per fish
How Many Ember Tetras Should You Keep?
Ember tetras are shoaling fish and should always be kept in groups.
- Minimum group size of 8-10
- Groups of 15+ are ideal
- Larger groups create stronger schooling behaviour
Keeping too few can lead to:
- Stress and hiding
- Faded colour
- Reduced activity
In larger groups, they display more confidence and colour.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Ember Tetras
Providing the right environment helps ember tetras thrive and display their best colour.
- Tank Setup: Well-planted aquarium with open swimming space
- Substrate: Dark substrate enhances their orange colour
- Plants & Decor: Dense planting, driftwood, and shaded areas
- Water Conditions: Soft, slightly acidic water preferred
- Filtration & Flow: Gentle flow with good filtration
- Lighting: Dim to moderate lighting
A natural, heavily planted setup works best.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Ember tetras are extremely peaceful and ideal for nano and community tanks.
- Good Tankmates: small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, shrimp, and other peaceful nano fish
- Avoid: large or aggressive fish that may eat them
Their small size means tankmates must be chosen carefully.
Are Ember Tetras Easy to Care For?
Ember tetras are easy to care for and suitable for beginners.
They require:
- A stable, cycled tank
- A proper group size
- Clean water
- A varied diet
They are hardy and adaptable when kept in good conditions.
Ember Tetra Price in the UK
In the UK, ember tetras typically cost between £2-£4 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Size and condition
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
They are affordable and increasingly popular.
Where to Buy Ember Tetras in the UK
Ember tetras are available in many UK aquarium shops and from private sellers.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Improve survival rates
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Ember Tetras?
Yes - ember tetras are sometimes bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with responsible aquarists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are omnivorous and require a varied diet.
Key Tips:
- Feed high-quality micro pellets or crushed flakes
- Supplement with frozen or live foods (e.g. baby brine shrimp, daphnia)
- Feed small amounts regularly
- Ensure food is small enough for their tiny mouths
- A varied diet helps maintain colour and health.
Common Problems with Ember Tetras
Faded colour, often caused by:
- Stress
- Poor water quality
- Inadequate diet
Hiding behaviour, linked to:
- Too small a group
- Lack of cover
Predation risk, due to:
- Incompatible tankmates
Why Ember Tetras Are So Popular
- Bright glowing orange colour
- Perfect for nano aquariums
- Peaceful and community-friendly
- Ideal for planted tanks
- Active and engaging behaviour
When kept correctly, ember tetras create a warm, glowing effect in planted aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least 8-10, though larger groups are recommended.
Yes, they are hardy and easy to care for.
Yes, they are generally shrimp-safe.
At least 40-60 litres, with more space preferred for larger groups.
Looking to Buy or Sell Ember Tetras Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're stocking your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.