火焰魮脂鲤 · Flame Tetra

Overview

Hyphessobrycon flammeus is a peaceful red tetra widely maintained and bred for aquariums. Its familiarity in captivity should not be confused with secure wild populations. Mature filtration, clean water, and routine maintenance remain essential to its care.

Distribution & habitat

Records come from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states in Brazil. The São Paulo populations may have originated from aquarium releases or breeding facilities, leaving the native range uncertain. Pollution, dams, and introduced species have affected natural rivers. Shallow, slow tributaries with sand and plentiful aquatic or submerged vegetation are favored, with some records from larger river margins.

Aquarium setup

Planted layouts and dark substrate enhance color. Sand, roots, branches, and leaves create shaded retreats and support microorganisms useful to fry. Dim light and floating cover are suitable. Avoid immature aquariums: this fish is intolerant of accumulated organic pollution, and weekly water changes should be routine.

Diet & feeding

An omnivore, it takes small invertebrates, crustaceans, filamentous algae, and detritus in nature. Combine prepared foods with live or frozen bloodworms, mosquito larvae, water fleas, and similar items for variety.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep a mixed-sex shoal of at least eight to ten. Temporary dominance interactions among males contribute to better displays and color. Similar peaceful tetras, hatchetfishes, pencilfishes, small armored catfishes, and nonpredatory small-to-medium cichlids are possible companions.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are generally slightly smaller, slimmer, and more intensely colored. Mature males have small bony hooks on the anal and pelvic fins; females lack them and have a more curved leading anal-fin outline.

Breeding

Eggs are scattered without care, and a mature aquarium may yield a few fry. For greater survival, use a separate dim setup with mature water, gentle aeration, and mesh, marbles, fine foliage, or spawning mops to shield eggs. Introduce a conditioned pair or one or two males with several females, then remove adults after eggs appear.

Begin fry on infusoria or sufficiently fine prepared food, progressing to brine shrimp nauplii and microworms once they can be swallowed.

Notes

Orange, golden, and albino ornamental forms exist. In the natural pattern, both upright shoulder marks are distinct, the tail base lacks a large blotch, and the tail itself is relatively clear.