Amandae Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

The Amandae Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae), also known as Ember Tetra or Coal Tetra, is a miniature freshwater fish from the characin family, reaching only about 2 cm. It is native to the slow-moving black waters of the Araguaia River basin in central Brazil (Mato Grosso state). It has a uniform red-orange coloration, the intensity of which depends on the conditions of keeping. Peaceful schooling fish, ideal for nano aquariums and densely planted aquascapes. Requires keeping in groups of 8–10 or more, with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.0–7.0, GH 1–10), subdued lighting, and gentle flow. Lifespan is about 3 years. Breeding at home is considered straightforward: it is a spawning species, with pair or group spawning.

Minimum aquarium volume40–60 Lallowed 30–60 L

Social modelGroup

Water temperature24–28 °Callowed 20–29 °C

pH5.5–7allowed 5–7.5

General hardness2–8 °dGHallowed 1–15 °dGH

Primary swimming zoneMid

Real specimens

Photo gallery

Amandae Tetra: real photograph 1 — Mbdtsmo — CC BY-SA 4.0Source CC BY-SA 4.0

Amandae Tetra: real photograph 2 — Pascal Wolterman — CC BY-SA 3.0Source CC BY-SA 3.0

Amandae Tetra: real photograph 3 — Gordon Axmann — CC BY-SA 3.0Source CC BY-SA 3.0

Amandae Tetra: real photograph 4 — Gordon Axmann — CC BY-SA 3.0Source CC BY-SA 3.0

Amandae Tetra: real photograph 5 — Cedricguppy - Loury Cédric — CC BY-SA 4.0Source CC BY-SA 4.0

Amandae Tetra: real photograph 6 — Klaus Rudloff — CC BY-SA 4.0Source CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

TemperamentPeaceful

Social modelGroup

Minimum group size8

Adult size1.5–2.5 cm

Primary swimming zoneMid

DietOmnivore

Before you buy

Release warning: It is prohibited to release aquarium fish, including Amandae Tetra, into natural water bodies. Releasing aquarium species into the wild can lead to the introduction of invasive species, disruption of local ecosystems, and spread of diseases. Even species considered non-threatened in their native range (IUCN: Least Concern) can pose ecological threats if introduced to new environments outside their natural distribution. Unwanted fish should be transferred to other aquarists, pet stores, or humanely euthanized, but not released into nature.

Common husbandry risks: Main risks in keeping relate to the very small size of the fish (up to 2 cm): they can be eaten or stressed by large and aggressive tank mates, so keeping with large predatory fish is unacceptable. Due to poor tolerance of strong flow, excessive filtration and powerful water currents cause chronic stress. Sharp temperature fluctuations and deteriorating water quality (high nitrates, ammonia) reduce immunity and can provoke ichthyophthirius and fungal diseases. A school of 8–10 or more is essential; solitary keeping leads to timidity and stress.

Amandae Tetra

Photo gallery

Overview

Care

Compatibility