Ember tetra

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Ember Tetra

Secure

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Characiformes
Family:	Characidae
Genus:	Hyphessobrycon
Species:	H. amandae

Binomial name

Hyphessobrycon amandae
Géry & Uj, 1987

The ember tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. It is native to the Araguaia River basin of Brazil and was discovered around fifteen years ago and named in honor of the fish explorer Heiko Bleher's mother (Amanda Bleher).

This species is of typical tetra shape but grows to a maximum overall length of approximately 2 cm (.75 in).; Most exhibit striking orange and reddish coloration with mild translucency near the pelvic fin. The eye frequently mirrors the color of the fish and it outlined in black.

The fish's natural diet consist of small invertebrates and plants.

Although somewhat hard to find in fish stores, H. amandae is commonly kept as an aquarium fish by hobbyists.

[edit] In the aquarium

Ember tetras should be kept in acidic water with a pH near 6.6, and although their native habitat has very soft water they have adapted quite well to a wide range of hardness (5-17 dGH). The recommended temperature range is between 23-29 C (73-84 F). Ideally their tank should contain live plants, a darker substrate, and open water for swimming. Ember tetras should be kept in groups of at least 4-6, in order to promote schooling.

These fish swim at the middle level of the aquarium, and do not feed from the bottom of the tank. Therefore it is recommended that they are kept with other bottom dwelling fish (such as a pygmy corydoras) so that leftover food is then eaten up off the substrate and not left to waste.

Ember tetras can be fed a variety of foods, including flake, frozen, and freeze dried food. Small live foods like worms and brine shrimp are also recommended as they bring out the fish's colors.