Two black stripes run up and down behind its gills, and its eyes have a blue ring. This tetra is silver in the front of its body but becomes a fiery red on the back, especially at the base of the fins. This fish will generally reach about about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in length and has a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years. The Flame Tetra is a deep-bodied fish with the typical tetra shape. IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed.Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon flammeus.They swim in schools and feed on worms, small crustaceans, and plant matter. They are found in South America in coastal rivers in Eastern Brazil and around Rio de Janeiro. These tetras prefer slow-flowing creeks, river tribuaries, and backwaters. Other common names for this fish include Von Rio Tetra, Fire Tetra, Red Tetra, Tetra of Rio, and Rio Tetra. This species is not listed on the IUCN Red List. The Flame Tetra Hyphessobrycon flammeus was described by Myers in 1924. Coldwater Fish - Looking for cold water fish? (65 °).Similar size fish - Fish that are 1 inch bigger or smaller.Community Fish - Peaceful Freshwater fish.Beginner Fish - Freshwater fish for beginners.For Information on keeping freshwater fish, see:įreshwater Aquarium Guide: Aquarium Setup and Care When acclimated, they will no longer be timid, and the aquarist is rewarded with a very happy, pretty group of fish. Once Flame Tetras are established in a calm aquarium, they become very active. It is happiest in a school of 6 or more and will also do best kept with other small fish in a peaceful environment. In the home aquarium, be sure to provide this fish with a pleasant environment. This tetra is recommended for a beginning fish keeper who wishes to experience fish breeding. As an added benefit, it breeds easily when it's comfortable. As one of the hardiest little fish, the Flame Tetra is a great choice for a new fish keeper. Some other common names for this little fish are Von Rio Tetra, Fire Tetra, Red Tetra, and a few variations of those.īesides their coloring, the beauty of this little tetra is the ease of care. Aquarists must know what they are looking for to experience this rewarding beauty. Consequently, the Flame Tetra is not one of the most sought-out tetras. In fact, it can even closely resemble the Black Tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi when viewed in a pet store. This tetra's otherwise vibrant coloring pales in that setting. For this reason, the Flame Tetra does not always show well in pet store aquariums where it is exposed to a lot of activity.

When this fish is exposed to a lot of disturbances, it becomes very timid and its coloring will pale. The red becomes especially vibrant at the base of its fins.

This tetra is generally silver in the front but becomes a fiery red on the back. The Flame Tetra Hyphessobrycon flammeus has a gorgeous, fiery coloring when it's comfortable and happy in its aquarium.

Von rio tetra