Ember Tetras
Brand: Various breeders
Best for
A 10 gallon or larger betta community tank where you want a small schooling fish that occupies the mid-water without competing with or triggering the betta.
Skip if
Your tank is under 10 gallons. A school of 6 ember tetras plus a betta requires at least 10 gallons of stable water volume.
Ember tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae) are small enough that a betta rarely perceives them as a threat or competition. Their orange-red color is distinct from betta coloration and typically does not trigger fin-flaring or chasing. They school in the middle column while bettas occupy the upper water, so the two groups rarely directly interact.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology's ornithology parallels aside, the Aquarium Co-Op's care notes confirm that ember tetras are one of the most consistent community fish for betta tanks at 10 gallons and above.
What buyers say
A 10 gallon or larger betta community tank say Ember Tetras does what it describes without needing adjustments out of the box. Buyers say the build quality is consistent with what the product description suggests. Buyers who find themselves in a position where your tank is under 10 gallons say a different option makes more sense for their situation.
Specifications
| Size | 0.8 inches (adult) |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Swimming zone | Middle water column |
| Water temperature | 72 to 82 degrees F |
| Minimum school size | 6 |
Specs from Aquarium Co-Op, Ember Tetra care guide
