Ember Tetras Care Guide
- Mar 23, 2025
- Anshika Mishra
- 296 0 0
One little fish that has skyrocketed in popularity over the years is the Ember Tetra. These tiny little fish are ideal for keeping in the nano tanks and using in aquascapes, as not only are they very small and strikingly colored, but they're also rather lazy compared to other similar-sized fishes.
They have a delightful sharp pointy shape to them large orange-rimmed eyes and a blunt snout which makes them look like they are permanently surprised by something. But what are these little fishes like to keep and what kind of setup do they need?
Ember Tetras Overview
Ember Tetras hail from small, slow-flowing rivers and streams around the western areas of Brazil. Their typical habitat is dense, overgrown with tangles of weed and grasses all around the edges and plenty of fallen vegetation on the substrate.
With this in mind, all that vegetation is going to reduce the pH and in the aquarium, ideally, Ember Tetras want a slightly acidic pH of around 6-7.
They thrive in temperatures between 69-80F. They are adaptable species. So don't worry if your pH is not on point.
In terms of tank size, these fishes only need space that is 40X30 centimeters. This gives them enough space to swim and hide. They prefer a well-planted tank that offers both places to hide and open air for them to swim in.
Ember Tetras doesn't like to swim in and out of dark places where predators could be lurking. So they tend to stay in more brightly-lit areas of the tank. But they still like to have those plants nearby, just in case they want somewhere to dart to where a random pike comes along to eat them or something.
When there are too many plants though, you'll see them right up against the glass to distance themselves from the predators hiding in the plants. So, it's about achieving a balance between a swimming space and a hiding space between them. As long as they have that, they'll be stress-free.
Aquarium Divas
Officially the Ember Tetras should be classified as a shoaling Diva fish as they like each other's company and they should be kept in six individuals. But they'll also go off on their own and explore by themselves. This gives them a very calming nature compared to other tiny fishes who tend to be zipping about all over the place.
Ember Tetras catches your attention with their fine colors. But they don't hold it for too long. This allows you to look at everybody else too. They are also tough and can put quite a turn of speed if they feel the need.
They'll happily school around with really quite boisterous fish like Barbs. They are the perfect community fish.
Another reason for their popularity in Nano setups is Ember Tetras are hardy. There is nothing they're particularly prone to. Even if your setup is not perfect for them, they'll adapt.
Diet
Much like Goldfish, Ember Tetras are not picky about what they'll eat. They happily take frozen food as well as flakes. Just bear in mind their tiny size and mouth. Even the smallest micro-pallets often take quite a bit of chewing to get them down.
If you are keeping them in with other bigger, stronger, and faster community fishes then make sure your Ember Tetras are getting ample to eat.
Sexing
Sexing Ember Tetras is fairly simple as long the fish have reached adulthood. When they are young it is impossible. But once they are fully grown, one of the first things you'll notice about them is that the females are remarkably around the males are much sleeker, and can be slightly stronger in color.
Ember Tetras are a scattering easy and they are slightly easier to breed compared to other Nano fishes. They don't need anything special in their tank to induce them into breeding and their fries are sensitive to light either. So long your tank has a carpeting plant at the bottom of it, the fish will use it to scatter their eggs over them.
You'll have to remove the parents after spawning because they'll eat their fry if given half the chance.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ember Tetras are very easygoing little fish. They are perfect for both community home aquarium with its wonderful disarry and menagerie of aquatic life. Also, they are ideal for more discerning hobbyists who want that perfect accent to their pruned to perfect masterpiece.
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