Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon amandae

Common name: Ember tetra

Family: Characidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 2 - 3 cm (0.79 - 1.18 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 17°N (89.29 - 303.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 29 °C (73.4 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Ember tetras are very greedy eaters but prefer to take the food as it starts sinking. This could mean the slower fish will lose out. Feed them with quality flake and give occasional treats of blood worm or brine shrimp.

Origin

South America; Ember tetras are to be found in the Araguaia River Basins.

Sexing

Males will display a copper colouration, the females will be lighter in colour.

Breeding

Provide a well planted tank for breeding purposes, fine leaved plants should be used. Condition the parents on live foods for 3 weeks before adding them to the tank and they should spawn on the same day. The eggs should hatch after 24 hours and when the fry are free swimming they can be fed on Infusoria. As they grow, newly hatched brine shrimp can be used.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Hyphessobrycon amandae is 5 years.

Short description

Hyphessobrycon amandae can be quite difficult to keep, because of this they can be hard to find in the pet stores. They are best kept in groups and in a species tank due to their voracious eating habits. The tank should be well planted and the water soft and acidic.