CheckMyFishTankFlame Tetra care
Hyphessobrycon flammeus · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A hardy red and orange tetra that does well in cooler tanks.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Flame Tetra in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Flame Tetra.
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Flame Tetra.
- German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Flame Tetra need different water temperatures.
- Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Flame Tetra.
- Discus: Discus and Flame Tetra need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Flame Tetra.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Flame Tetra.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Flame Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Flame Tetra need?
At least 20 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 1.75 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Flame Tetra like?
72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 5.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Flame Tetra should I keep together?
Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Flame Tetra eat?
Flakes, small pellets, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.