Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Characins > Flame Tetra

Flame Tetra

Fire Tetra ~ Von Rio Tetra Family: Charadidae
Sub-family: Tetragonopterinae

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Hyphessobrycon flammeus Photo © Animal-World Courtesy: David Brough

   True to ts namesake, the Flame Tetra sports a very beautiful fiery red coloring!

   The coloring of the Flame Tetra, also called the Fire Tetra or Von Rio Tetra, is generally silver in the front but becomes a fiery red on the back, especially at the base of the fins. When they are exposed to a lot of disturbances, they become very timid and their coloring will pale. They don't always show off real well in pet store aquariums where they are exposed to a lot of activity, and for this reason are not the most popular of tetras.

   To keep them best in your aquarium, provide them with a pleasant envorinment with friendly tankmates. Once the Flame Tetra is established in a calm aquarium they become very active. They are no longer timid and are a very pretty fish. They are happiest in a school of 6 or more and do best if kept with other smaller fish in a peaceful environment. They are hardy fish and are very easily bred. As a matter of fact, they are recommended for a beginner that wishes to experience fish breeding!

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Flame Tetra, also called the Fire Tetra or Von Rio Tetra, was described by Myers in 1924. They are found in South America in coastal riversin Eastern Brazil, around Rio de Janeiro where they feed on worms, small crustaceans, and plants.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
    The Flame Tetra is a deep bodied fish with the typical tetra shape. They are silver in the front but becomes a fiery red on the back, especially at the base of the fins. There are two black stripes that run up and down behind the gills and they have a blue eye ring.

Size - Weight:
   These fish get up to 1.5 inches (4 cm).

Care and feeding:
   Since they are omnivorous the Flame Tetra, Fire Tetra, or Von Rio Tetra will generally eat all kinds of live fresh and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food everyday. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Hardness: to 25° dGH (prefers 10°)
   Ph: 5.8-7.8 (prefers 6.5 to 7.0)
   Temp: 72-82° F (26-28° C)

Social Behaviors:
   The Flame Tetra is a good peaceful fish recommended for all community aquariums. They are happiest in a school of 6 or more and do best if kept with other smaller fish in a peaceful environment.

Sexual Differences:
   The male has a blood red anal fin while the females is lighter and sometimes yellow. The black tip on the pectoral fin is seen only on the female.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   The Flame Tetra, Fire Tetra, or Von Rio Tetra are egg layers. See the general description of how to breed egg laying fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

Availability:
   The Flame Tetra, also called the Fire Tetra or Von Rio Tetra, is readily available.

Author: David Brough. CFS.

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Latest Comments
Wow, I didn't know these were extinct. I usually feed them to my fish, I better use a new fish now. ...or almost extinct. riley 2009-02-22
I love these guys! I have a few, one of which is almost 2 years old. He's the oldest in my tank! They're the perfect size; not too big, not too small. Their color is subtle yet stunning. :D Rachel 2006-10-01
I have 2 Von Rio tetra and they are the bright fish in my tank! alex h 2006-04-23
I bought 6 flame tetras today, they are still adjusting to their environment, but are really beautifull. Wojtek D 2006-03-07
I have 2 flame tetras and they have been the most hardy fish I've owned. They've outlasted just about any other fish in my aquarium and add a nice touch with there bright red coloring. chris 2005-09-05
Some of the coolest comments:
I am an aquarist in Rio de Janeiro and very sadly this little beauty is almost extinct here. It's the only endemic species of the State of Rio de Janeiro and due to insertion of other species and predatorial fishing, we no longer see them any more. There is currently a research program in one of our universities trying to repopulate some streams and rivers. Thank you. John Toledano John Toledano 2006-05-13

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