Flame tetra Care Guide

The Flame Tetra, known for its vibrant colors and social demeanor, is a popular choice among aquarists. It thrives when cared for correctly and offers a rewarding aquarium experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to taking care of your Flame Tetra.

Tank Setup

Flame Tetras require a well-maintained tank environment to thrive. They prefer a tank size of at least 20 liters with a minimum of 6 tetras because of their schooling nature. The water should be kept between a pH of 6 to 7.5 and a temperature range of 23°C to 28°C. It's important to have a mix of open swimming spaces and areas with plants or decorations to accommodate their schooling and habitat preferences.

Flame Tetras are versatile and can dwell in various tank zones — surface, mid-tank, and bottom regions. To cater to their habitat preferences, consider incorporating a mix of floating plants and low-lying decorations in your tank setup.

Feeding

Flame Tetras are not particularly fussy eaters but have a preference for a varied diet. They can be fed with flakes, pellets, and will appreciate live and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and micro worms. Incorporating vegetable matter such as algae wafers and color-enhancing foods will promote health and vibrant coloration.

Ensure that any supplemental foods are properly portioned to avoid water contamination, which can compromise their living conditions. Feeding once to twice a day at scheduled intervals tends to work best, while also preventing overfeeding.

Behavior and Social Interactions

Flame Tetras are social fish exhibiting mostly peaceful behavior with mild territorial tendencies, especially during breeding. Generally, they coexist harmoniously within a community tank setup as long as the tank sociology supports their schooling needs.

During breeding, Flame Tetras may show slight increases in aggression. This is considered typical behavior as they establish territories for spawning. Ensure environmental conditions are optimal to mitigate stress and provide breeding-friendly conditions.

Maintenance

With a low maintenance requirement, Flame Tetras are ideal for aquarists who may not want to invest extensive time into tank upkeep. Regular water changes, proper filtration, and monitoring water parameters are key to maintaining a healthy environment.

Due to their affordability and availability, Flame Tetras are a popular choice among novice and seasoned aquarists alike. Their conservation status is listed as "Least Concern," making them a responsible choice for fishkeepers.

While Flame Tetras present a moderate level of hardiness, providing attentive care and suitable environmental conditions ensures their well-being and vibrancy in your aquarium.